Corporate Reminisce

MSN goes live in Kenya with fully localized portal

Nairobi, Kenya 5^th September 2013……… MSN Kenya has gone live, bringing Kenyans a fully localised version of one of the world’s most visited Web properties and delivering personalised, up-to-the-minute news and a complete set of Microsoft services to the country’s Internet users. The portal is operated by South Africa’s Kagiso Media – a Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed media company – in partnership with Microsoft.

With a presence in 50 countries, a position as the number one portal in 26 countries, 460 million users, and 18 billion page views a month, the Microsoft-owned MSN is a heavy hitter in the online international publishing market. MSN Kenya offers dedicated news, entertainment, sports and lifestyle channels including property and careers content, tailored to the needs of the Kenyan market.

Says Marcus Stephens, GM for publishing at Kagiso New Media: “Though many Kenyans already visit our general African and South African portals, we believe that the Internet market in Kenya is now of a size that it deserves a dedicated MSN portal of its own. We will be using a similar formula in Kenya to the one that has been so popular in South Africa – locally relevant, easy to digest content that is packaged in an attractive manner.”

“MSN is already one of Africa’s largest portals with approximately 3.3 million unique browsers per month. The South African version of the portal has 75,000 Facebook fans, showing how engaged and passionate its audience is. Kagiso’s experience in South Africa has shaped its approach to the Kenyan market,” Stephens says.

“Our principles are to deliver a social, people-powered experience to our audience; to be close to people wherever they are and however they access the Internet; to collaborate with content partners who can add depth and breadth to our offering; to deliver quality for advertisers and readers; and to be current with the now,” says Stephens. “We believe that our approach is aligned with what Kenyan audiences are seeking.”

Behind the scenes, the Microsoft Bedrock content management system makes it easy for MSN Kenya to deliver content to nearly any device with which the user accesses the Internet. MSN Kenya places a heavy emphasis on mobile access to the news and has created mobile versions of the sites that can be accessed from feature phones as well as smartphones and tablets. Bing apps are also available. This will allow MSN to serve Kenya across multiple screens, meeting the demand for many people who are getting online for the first time through their mobile devices.

Content is at the heart of the experience, and MSN Kenya will deliver a rich selection of syndicated and original content for its audience. In addition to full access to the store of global MSN content, MSN Kenya will offer one-stop access to Reuters, Associated Press, Getty Images, and AFP content as well as news from carefully chosen African partners.

MSN Kenya will provide a platform for local bloggers, writers and social influencers to share their thoughts and ideas. Users will also be able to use MSN Kenya as their entry point for Bing, Skype, Outlook.com and other Microsoft services.

“With more than 10 million Internet users in Kenya, we think that MSN Kenya is going to be an excellent platform for brands that want to market their products and services to the country’s fast-growing middle-class,” says Stephens. “Kenya is a truly exciting opportunity for us to serve readers and advertisers with a local version of a world-class product.”

 

About Howzit MSN

Published by Kagiso Media, Howzit MSN is one of the largest web portals in South Africa. The portal is the South African associate of Microsoft’s MSN family of Internet services, which attracts more than 3.14 million unique users around the world each month.

Howzit MSN is South Africa’s leader in providing quality web content to consumers and powerful online advertising solutions to marketers. It attracts a large mainstream audience with its core news service as well as several niche audiences with specialised content. For advertisers, Howzit MSN offers a wide range of ways to target audiences including the howzit.MSN.com homepage, news, sports and lifestyle. This is complemented by globally popular social advertising platform Skype.

 

For more info visit www.howzit.msn.com  Twitter: @HowzitMSN

About Marcus Stephens, GM of MSN Sub Sahara Africa

Marcus spent his formative years in the traditional media industry as a media strategist, working for leading media and advertising businesses such as TBWA Hunt Lascaris, Mediacom and Draft FCB. Retained by multi-national, banking, brewing and tobacco brands, he quickly established a solid reputation for comprehending and converting clients’ needs via innovative marketing solutions, far exceeding their goals and aspirations. Marcus walked away with his first reward in 2002 where he was pivotal in winning the APEX award for bidorbuy’s Best Media Launch Campaign in the online retailer section.

 

More recently, Marcus headed up a digital media specialist company, driving its new business development efforts, before successfully repositioning the commercialisation of Avusa Media Live’s online and mobile businesses. 

In 2010 Kagiso Media appointed Marcus as General Manager of Microsoft’s locally operated MSN portal. Under his leadership, the portal has grown in all key performance areas leading to Microsoft’s announcement of expansion into Kenya and Nigeria in mid-2013.

Corporate Reminisce

Egyptian Conglomerate Eyes Kenyan Poultry Market

Tony Freiji, WADA CEO

Nairobi, August 15 2013- Wadi Group, an Egyptian agri-business firm has announced plans to enter the Kenyan poultry industry, a move that will boost the country’s food security initiatives and create more employment opportunities.

Speaking during the Conference, Wadi Group Chief Executive Officer, Tony Freiji, said the investment will see the Kenyan poultry farmers in semi-arid and arid counties receive specialized training in best poultry-rearing practices to meet local demand for high-quality animal proteins as well as produce for export.

‘‘We know the Kenyan government is very keen and serious in putting the necessary measures and fundamentals for achieving food security by providing fast-growing, disease-free DOCs, as well as well-balanced feed for a solid and profitable poultry industry,’’ Mr. Freiji said.

Wadi Group seriously hopes to start operations in Kenya next year to provide local farmers with high-quality breeding stock by setting up state-of-the-art poultry farms and incubation facilities, provide high-quality feed and advanced technical services. This is expected to increase productivity, make poultry farming more profitable and spur economic growth in semi-arid counties.

Wadi Group has been a key player in the development of the poultry industry in Egypt where it has been in operation since 1984. It has also set up operations in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, KSA and Sudan from scratch on a fast track, by expanding vertically and horizontally in other industries that serve the poultry sector.

Over the years, Wadi Group has acquired the capacity and expertise in moving poultry consumption in arid countries from subsistence to industrialization in more than 6 countries.

In those countries, Wadi Group has played a major role in educating the farmers through their free veterinary and husbandry services, which empowered them to develop their own poultry enterprises and grow to profitability. Wadi Group has interests in other poultry farming related ventures such as manufacturing of chicken feed, cooling pads, grain handling, and logistics among others.

‘‘Food security is a legitimate right for every developing country; you neither have to be timid about it nor intimidated by pressure upon you,’’ concluded Freiji.

While in Kenya, the Wadi Group delegation will also meet senior officials at the ministries of Agriculture and Industrialization and Enterprise Development, the Investment Authority, as well as the Veterinary Authority. They will also meet County Governors for Marsabit, Mogotio, Garissa, Isiolo and kitui to establish the legal and other logistical requirements for rolling out operations.

 

About Wadi Group

Wadi Group and its affiliated companies are the fruitful outcome of a long success story started in Egypt in 1984. Wadi Group is currently structured into two core activities: agro-business (Mazareh) and industry (Sina’at). Under Mazareh, Wadi Group combines all of its agro-business activities including poultry and fish farming, feeds and food produce. For the industry arm (Sina’at), Wadi Group manufactures cooling pads, ingredients for animal, poultry and fish nutrition, fertilizers and also covers the handling and transportation of merchandise. Each entity in the agro-business or industry is headed by its own structure in order to provide the expertise required in each field. For more information, please visit: http://www.wadigroup.com

 

LAUNCH OF THE CAKE CITY IN SARIT CENTRE

Pride Inn Hotels and Conferences Launched The Ultimate Bakery- Cake City, which will without doubt leave you absolutely smitten! Our first outlet is located very conveniently in Westlands next to Soin Arcade and opposite Shimmers Plaza. And on the 18^th of August 2013 we successfully launched and had the opening of our other branch at The Sarit Centre.

We offer an amazing variety of scrumptious eggless cakes, mouth watering milkshakes, taste bud awakening pastries that go perfectly well with our freshly brewed coffee!
So guys what are you waiting for? visit our branch and get a taste of perfection.

Sitdown with Pitz: Prof. Joseph Galgalo

Last month I had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Galgalo in his office at the St. Paul University main Campus in Limuru. For those not in the know, Galgalo is the Vice Chancellor for St. Paul University and i posed a few questions to him which i have published in this post. Its my hope that this article might help you get a better understanding of the man sitting at the helm o one of the biggest private universities in the country.

Pitz: What makes St Paul Unique?

Galgalo: Identity is what sets apart a university and it’s my belief that this university is one with a difference in that though we are a primarily a Christian university, we are very accommodating of other religions too and we do not discriminate based on ones spirituality. In fact Christian Muslim relation as a study is a clear indicator of our institution’s commitment to non bipartisanship behavior. The center based in Easleigh is a strong commitment to our goal of creating a university that is the best choice for all Kenyans regardless of nationality or religion.

Pitz: What kind of students do you target?

Galgalo: Academic qualification is the minimum basis for admission with C+ being the minimum for a degree course. We do not discriminate based on gender or age in their selection criteria and anyone who is qualified and able to pay and adhere to the rules of the institution are free to apply. However, we do go the extra mile to admit some students on partial scholarships to enrich the St. Paul environment.

Pitz: Has higher education developed sufficiently?

Galgalo: It’s my belief that major strides have been made and this has opened up education for many. However, I strongly feel that some stakeholders especially from the government’s side are not doing enough to facilitate sufficient reforms and development of higher education. In addition some institutions have not invested in quality teaching and establishing acceptable standards of learning.

Pitz: Name one institution which is doing a lot to promote access to quality higher education?

Galgalo: The commission for university education is heading in the right direction and if given the necessary room to work independently, much can be achieved.

Pitz: What other areas do you feel that St. Paul stands as a pioneer?

Galgalo: Our university was a pioneer in HIV education and continues to lead in the field of HIV research and stakeholder engagement. The school invests heavily in ensuring that community health practitioners have sufficient knowledge in how best to deal with the infected and affected.

Pitz: Can the government do more to speed up educational development?

Galgalo: Universities contribute significantly to GDP and as such should be empowered to grow and fulfill their mandates. This can be done by government providing such institutions with positive incentives. It’s my feeling that the government should assign more money for student loans, bursaries and scholarships. Lastly, the government should make it easier for institutions that meet the relevant criteria to gain accreditation so as to open up university access.

Pitz: Do you believe that private universities will surpass public ones in status?

Galgalo: For you to ask this question means that you are already biased and working on the presupposition that public universities are better than private ones. In my humble opinion, private universities are at par with public ones and in some cases, even better. However, public universities are more financially endowed which gives them an edge as far as capital intensive investments are needed.

Corporate Reminisce

Cussons Gala

 

Cussons MD, Dimitris Kostianis launches the re branded Cussons leather products

On the night of Wednesday 17^th July, 2013, at the Inter Continental Hotel,  PZ Cussons announced the relaunch of their iconic brand Imperial Leather bathing bar with a new look packaging for the same finest ingredients and luxurious fragrance for cleansing and care of the family. This relaunch coincides with the brand’s 75^th anniversary which Imperial Leather will be celebrating this year! The event brought together top managers from the company with executives posted in different parts of the company converging at the Nairobi hotel to interact and share a drink as they reflect on the road so far and the one ahead. In addition, top customers were in attendance as the company sought to honour the people responsible for its profit margin and potentially improve customer loyalty in a region characterized by great competition. Dimitris Kostianis, the MD, was very elated as he narrated the Cussons story from its humble beginning to its iconic brand at the present. According to Lilian Mackenzie, “consumers will be rewarded through the just launched National Consumer Promotion dubbed ‘Oga Na Milli’ in which consumers stand a chance to win millions in cash and other exciting prizes.” Cussons has several recognizable products including Imperial Leather, Ushindi, Venus, Cussons Baby and Morning Fresh among others.

Panasonic Plaza Opening

Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa (PMMAF) Managing Director Mr. Masao Motoki cuts the ribbon with Pole Stars Managing Director Mr. Bhop Indar Singh during the Panasonic Plaza Opening held at Panasonic Plaza in Westlands, Nairobi.

On 17 July 2013, Panasonic Corporation, a worldwide leader in technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications has announced the opening of the 1^st Panasonic PLAZA, in Nairobi, Kenya. The move is aimed at serving its potential and existing customer’s in a highly professional and personalized setting. The plaza is situated along Mpaka road Westlands and is a showroom of its kind, allowing consumers to view and feel a wide range of Panasonic merchandise all under one roof. Present at the opening ceremony, were Mr Masao Motoki, Managing Director, Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa, Mr Bhop Indar Singh, Managing Director, Pole stars along with the other dignitaries. Mr. Mutoki asserted that “Panasonic is committed to becoming the number one electronic brand in Kenya and the region and the establishment of the first Panasonic plaza is the beginning of that journey.” Mr. Mutoki further acknowledged the strong role Polestar will play due to the firm’s lengthy experience in the local market.

Corporate Reminisce

USADF & GE Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Innovation Challenge

           The President of USADF and GE CEO sign a memorandum

Power Africa off-grid energy innovative product was launched in July at the Intercontinental hotel by the CEO of GE Africa and the CEO of the United States African development Foundation and their respective teams. The initiative hopes to inspire the development and adoption of off-grid power models to power various projects in areas that have a shortage of mainstream power supply. The challenge targets groups, individuals and companies that are wholly owned by locals and who have developed or hope to develop off-grid power technologies. Applications will be opened in September 2011 and winners will be announced by November of the same year. The challenge covers two countries, Nigeria and Kenya, with the award being shared in the ration 3: 2 respectively. Winners will qualify for up to $100,000 with the challenge running for three years. Shari Berenbach, CEO of USADF, says that the challenge is in line with Obama’s drive to encourage and offer assistance to developing nations seeking to develop adequate, sustainable and affordable energy as boost to trade and development. On the other hand, jay Ireland the CEO of GE Africa asserts that GE is fully committed to sustainable development in the region, through developing home grown solutions for Africa.

Engage Burson-Marsteller Launch in Kenya

From right; Jeremy Galbraith, CEO Burson- Marsteller Europe, Middle East & Africa, Robyn De Villiers the Chairman and CEO of Arcay Burson Marsteller Africa and Desiree Gomes the Managing Partner of Engage Burson

On July 2013, at the Stanley Hotel, Burson-Masteller announced the launch of Engage Burson-Marsteler, a public relations firm to handle its interests here in Kenya. Burosn-marsteller is a leading global Public relations firm established n 1953 and provides strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, reputation and crisis management among others. The launch of the new Kenyan based firm is part of their Arican growth strategy which began with the acquisition of the South African based Arcay Communications which is the leading PR firm in Africa. Jeremy Galbraith, CEO Burson-Marsteller Europe and Africa said, “The Kenya economy is vibrant and dynamic and following the peaceful elections earlier this year, the economic outlook is very positive. The agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, construction, energy and communication sectors are all growing strongly and Engage Burson-Marsteller is uniquely positioned to service the communications needs of businesses operating in these areas in Kenya.”   The new firm will be headed by the managing partner, Desiree Gomez, who has extensive experience in PR within the region.

The Debut

The corporate world shapes our nation in profound ways, through every day decisions and major strategic decisions that have far reaching impacts on our daily lives. Most of us interact with businesses either as employees or mainly as consumers and its only right that you are kept in the know about what goes into making those decisions and when those decisions are made. In addition, it is not logically possible, and anyone who says it is remains a fool, to analyze business decisions without focusing on those who make them. The Merchant online will endeavor on a daily basis to bring to you, fellow Kenyan the business decisions that shape corporate Kenya, the events that offer a forum for those choices to be effected and the players who are responsible for those decisions. We will go a step further, not to do so would be irresponsible, to bring you deeper analysis of those events and persons and what it portends for all of us. Where we fall short, for we are only human, we shall bring on board acclaimed guest writers to offer us great insights into this issues.

Without further ado we present  to you the structure of our posts and what you, esteemed reader, should expect from us on a daily business.

• Fridays; Sitdown with Pitz:

This will be an interview with a corporate titan on various issues that surround his company, the economy and other pertinent questions. The interview, Pitz, has extensive knowledge on business and being a corporate journalist; his questions will be insightful and incisive and will go along way into delving into the minds of our corporate demigods.

• Saturdays; Leisure

We shall review various pubs and restaurants that are best suited for business people to eat and unwind.

• Mondays; Sitdown with pitz, Analysis

On Monday we single out pertinent issues that stood out on our Friday interview and do an analysis of those issues to better understand how they relate to the present and the promises of the future they hold.

• Tuesdays; Corporate Reminisce

We do an in-depth reporting of corporate events of the previous week that will have strong impact on corporate Kenya complete with pictorial evidence and short synopses of what went down and the players involved. In essence we shall let you peep unto a corporate world most people aren’t aware of.

• Wednesdays; Titan speak

A collection of important selected quotes from corporate leaders from events of the past week, sentences that hold much weight despite their brevity.

• Thursdays; Corporate Analysis

We do an in-depth analysis of pertinent issues raised by corporate reminisce and we try to offer more insight regarding factors that led to these decisions and the impact they are likely to have on the companies involved, the corporate scene, consumers and country at large.

So guys, watch this space, follow it religiously and we promise you a business journal that will keep you in the know, corporate style.