Guinness is hosting a two-day live football experience this weekend at The Black Pearl Lounge in Kisumu, and they are going the extra mile – quite literally – to deliver an epic Matchday and chilled Guinness to go with it.

Leaving the KBL Brewery in Ruaraka this morning, Guinness is traversing the roads to get cold, fresh Guinness into the hands of every fan at The Black Pearl Lounge in time for this weekend’s matches.

“This new season of The Premier League is an incredibly special one for Guinness. Guinness has always had a strong connection with football but now as the official Beer of the Premier League we are bringing our fans even more epic live football and delivering on our promise to ensure they have a cold, fresh Guinness to enjoy all the EPL action with.

“Just like The Premier League teams, Guinness prides itself on the quality of its craft, and so our teams have been working around the clock to ensure that all the fans who go to the Guinness Matchday this weekend at The Black Pearl Lounge in Kisumu get the freshest, coldest Guinness there is,” said Henrietta Reed, Marketing Manager at Guinness, KBL.

Fans who attend the Guinness Matchday on 17^th-18^th August at The Black Pearl Lounge in Kisumu will be able to experience the first of this season’s matches on big screens, with crisp audio and top-tier entertainment.

The Guinness Matchday Committee including Director of Drinks Analysis, Carol Radull, Chief Entertainment Officer Lotan Salapei, and Chief Snacks Officer Nana Owiti have been hard at work crafting the ultimate live football experience with Guinness to keep the energy high long after the final whistle.

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This global celebration has been taking place annually since 2012 and is often marked by various events, promotions, and celebrations in bars, restaurants, and among gin enthusiasts.

The day presents a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends and to enjoy one of the most delicious, popular, and historic drinks, and to celebrate the gin distillers and tonic producers around the world.

International Gin and Tonic Day is significant for Gin enthusiasts as it holds rich cultural heritage, celebrates the art of mixology, encourages people to gather, socialize and share while serving as a reminder of the universal appeal of this cocktail and its ability to bring people of various backgrounds together.

A Brief History of Gin & Tonic

The origins of the gin and tonic date back to the 17th century when British sailors stationed in India combined quinine with their gin to help prevent malaria.

Over time, the bitter taste of quinine was balanced with the addition of sugar and carbonated water, creating the refreshing and classic cocktail we know today.

Gilbeys: A Timeless Favorite

Gilbeys has been a favourite among gin enthusiasts for over 165 years. Its unique blend of botanicals and smooth finish make it an ideal choice for crafting the perfect gin and tonic.

“Our consumers love for Gin and Tonic has enabled us to retain and ensure consistency of the liquid over the years. Gilbeys is the most mixable gin and gives an opportunity to our consumers to experiment with whatever flavor of mixers whether sweet, sour, or spicy. As we celebrate International Gin and Tonic, I urge our consumers to enjoy Gilbeys however they wish to enjoy responsibly and with friends” Said Zipporah Ndung’u, Gilbeys Brand Manager.

In recent years, gin has become increasingly popular at social gatherings and special events, particularly in Kenya. Gilbeys has played a significant role in transforming the way Kenyans enjoy their gin.

“The most popular gin order in most bars is a Gin and Tonic. The colder the drink, the less dilution resulting in more flavor.” says mixologist Lushasha.

How to Make the Perfect Gin & Tonic with Gilbeys.

To create the ultimate gin and tonic using Gilbeys, follow these simple steps:

• Fill a glass with ice.
• Pour 50ml of Gilbeys Gin over the ice.
• Top up the glass with 150ml of tonic water.
• Gently stir to combine.
• Garnish with a slice of lime or other citrus fruit.

Feel free to experiment with different garnishes and flavoured tonics to create your own unique twist on the classic gin and tonic.

Celebrate in Style

As we approach International Gin & Tonic Day, coming on the heels of a long Mashujaa Day weekend, why not gather your friends and family for a gin-tasting party?

International Gin & Tonic Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse and delicious world of gin. So go ahead, raise a glass, and celebrate this iconic cocktail with Gilbeys Gin!

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We’re talking about a party that’ll make your taste buds tango and your dancing shoes hustle. So, save the date – Saturday, 14th October 2023 at the ultra-cool Boma Resort & Lounge in Narok Town.

For those of you wondering what the fuss is all about, let me catch you up. Kenya Cane, one of the spirit brands from Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), is on a mission to celebrate Kenya’s incredible cultural diversity.

They’ve previously thrown epic parties in Nakuru, Thika, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Kitui. And boy, have they not turned heads with their blend of Kenyan music, mouthwatering cuisine, and that legendary Kenyan spirit!

Now, Narok is up next on their hit list, and it’s not just another stop on their tour. This place is the heart of Maa culture, known for its mind-blowing traditional attire, delicious food, and being the gateway to the Maasai Mara with its stunning wildlife and natural beauty.

But that’s not all! Kenya Cane is all about celebrating the little victories in life. So, they’re running the “Greats Toast Twice” campaign to recognize and reward you for your small wins and achievements.

It’s all about toasting to the things that get you closer to your dreams and inspiring you to keep chasing them.

Narok is in for a treat with an incredible lineup of local artists and DJs, some finger-licking Maa cuisine, and cocktails that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance.

In the words of Kenya Cane Brand Manager, Davis Changalwa, “We’re on a mission to party it up, Kenyan style! Each event is a celebration of our country’s awesome cultures, music, and mouthwatering food, all mixed with a little Kenya Cane magic. In Narok, the birthplace of Maa culture, we want you to dive headfirst into the rich traditions of this land and celebrate the awesomeness of Kenyan heritage. Get ready for an unforgettable experience with the coolest local talent, lip-smacking Maa dishes, and cocktails inspired by the beauty of this region. Come join us as we raise our glasses to all the little victories and dreams of Kenyans. ‘Cause that’s when we truly shine!”

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One of the most notable advancements within the transport, tourism and hospitality industries has been the integration of card payments. Today, you can make payments for services from anywhere in the world without having to be physically present, and without carrying an equivalent amount of hard cash.

If you’re planning to travel this Easter, here are some stress-free travel tips you should consider:

Pack all your essentials: Before you travel, ensure that you pack all the essentials you’ll need for the duration of your journey. This applies whether you’re traveling alone or with friends and family. Fluids are essential when traveling, so make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and limit fatigue, especially on long-distance travels.

Ensure your means of travel is in good condition: If you’re traveling by private means like a car or van, always ensure that it is in good condition to avoid any inconveniences during the journey. You don’t want your car or van breaking down in the middle of nowhere and ruining your vacation.

Know your destination in advance: Before visiting a local or international tourist destination, it’s important to find out more about the availability of basic services, including water, medication, and security. You can do this by checking out their websites and social media pages, reading past customer reviews, and going through comments by past visitors on their socials. Don’t make bookings for faraway resorts and tourist destinations only to be surprised by what you find when you arrive.

Know your airliner: Basic planning is essential for air travel. Above all, you’ll need to visit the airliner’s website to familiarize yourself with their policies on luggage and customer relations. Not all airliners have identical approaches to the services they offer, so you need to be keen on the variations to avoid inconveniences. Again, you can find this information on their website and on their social media pages.

Make it fun and enjoyable: Whenever you travel, try to make your trip memorable by having fun and enjoyable moments. You can do this during pauses in your journey or during the journey – as long as it doesn’t endanger your safety.

Above all, convenience during travel is key to ensuring you have a great time during your trip. Debit and Credit Card payments during your holiday remove the stress and security risks that are often associated with carrying cash in bulk.

If you are an Equity Bank customer,  you can make payments with your Equity Card – which is FREE, safe and secure. All you need to do is simply swipe or tap your card at your favourite merchant location. In fact, this Easter, Equity will give you Ksh 500 back for every Ksh 5,000 spent using your Equity cards including the Equity Mastercard, Equity Visa card or Equity AMEX card

The cards can be accessed by both customers and non-customers and can be used widely – for purchases, online shopping, ATM withdrawals, ticket bookings, and more.

By following these simple travel tips and taking advantage of convenient payment solutions like Equity Bank’s Card Payment, you can have a stress-free Easter travel experience and make the most of your vacation.

Cover photo by Pixabay

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Currently, Kenyans wishing to travel to South Africa have to apply for a South African visa in advance from VFS Global. Those wishing to stay beyond 30 days pay a Ksh. 4,800 application fee.

The two presidents announced that the new visa-free regime will take effect from 1st January 2023.

The two countries also signed deals that will see collaborations between Kenyans and South Africa in the arts industries and extended talks on the plans to merge the two countries’ struggling national carriers into a continental airline.

Ramaphosa is in Nairobi for an official state visit.

More follows…

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The awards are; Best Airport Hotel, Kenya 2022 by CEO Destinations and Kenya’s Leading Airport Hotel 2022 by World Travel Awards.

The awards come at a time when the luxury hotel is celebrating 5 years anniversary since setting up at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.

2022 is the year of rebounds and comebacks for the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry. For award-winning property Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Airport it also marks a milestone year with many reasons to celebrate this October. Not resting on previous success (having been recognised for 4 consecutive years as the continent’s leading airport hotel), the property has pulled off a hattrick of awards this season. Endorsed by two globally recognised bodies the hotel cements itself as THE LEADING AIRPORT HOTEL both locally and on the continent for the 5th year in a row. This coincides with the five-year anniversary of the hotel since opening its doors in October 2017.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport has become a mark of excellence for hospitality industry professionals, executives and leisure travellers jetting into the country.

The CEO Destinations listing, and awards is the ultimate guide for corporate executives and companies. It provides insights and rankings for exceptional properties that provide a business conducive environment and superior experience across the world. Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Airport’s accolade was announced on October 24th, 2022. Similarly, the hotel was also featured in their World Travel Top100 locations for traveling executives who want to enjoy luxury business and travel experiences in 2022.

Alongside, the hotel also picked up its other award at the WTA Africa & Indian Ocean gala event held at the KICC earlier in the month. The WTA Awards have become synonymous as the hallmark of industry excellence with a record 2.3million votes cast this past year alone. This represents the vast confidence in recovery for the tourism sector.

Accepting both accolades was Four Points By Sheraton, Nairobi Airport General Manager, Vivek Mathur who has been instrumental in leading the property to great success.

He comments “These awards on the eve of our 5th anniversary serve as a testament to the passion and hard work of our entire Four Points team. Throughout the pandemic and beyond, they have been unwavering in their commitment to delivering a world-class experience that is unmatched elsewhere. It is my firm belief that our people are the key reason we continue to remain a leader in our category. It gives me great joy to see my team progress through the ranks, starting out as juniors and growing into leadership roles. The future is bright for our sector, and we are committed to reaching the next milestone”.

Driven by changes in the operating environment, Four Point By Sheraton Nairobi Airport has been at the forefront of deploying a transformational business continuity model that has resulted in consistent growth in the number of guests at the property.

In 2021 the hotel was also acknowledged as Africa’s Leading Airport Hotel by WTA and the International Hotel Awards body.

The Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is a 172-room hotel located strategically inside the JKIA Complex, opened in October 2017. The hotel amenities include multi-functional meeting and event spaces, a dedicated business lounge all-day dining restaurant, pool bar and grill, coffee lounge, rooftop pool, gym, and spa. The hotel benefits from views of the airport runway and the Nairobi National Park.

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The Mobile Payment feature is designed to offer convenience and flexibility in terms of payment processes while reducing the functional costs for the business.

This means customers can now conveniently pay for their orders using M-PESA, Equitel and Airtel Money directly to the restaurants as opposed to using the payment prompts from couriers.

“We are constantly improving our services to meet the dynamic needs of our customers and partners. Mobile money is one of the most popular payment methods in Kenya and we are glad that our customers are now able to use mobile money to pay for their orders at their convenience. This also means customers can now pay directly to restaurants as opposed to receiving the payment prompts from couriers, hence eliminating the associated functional costs,” said Edgar Kipng’etich Kitur.

Bolt Food has also incorporated a host of other in-app functionalities on the platform geared towards enhancing the customer experiences and boosting platform output.

Some of these in-app features include; Bolt balance, Pick-up options and Bolt Food Promo Codes.

Bolt Balance enables customers to prepay for services by way of loading funds on their Bolt Balance and using such funds at any later stage for the goods and/or services purchased through the app.

It is basically an in-app virtual payment method that customers can use to transact on the Bolt Food platform.

Other means of payment such as the use of cash, and credit/debit cards will still be available for customers.

“These investments provide our customers with the opportunity to switch between different modes of payments for their orders at their convenience. We are excited to make these payment options available to customers and we look forward to investing more in such initiatives that enhance customers’ experiences as they interact with our platform,” added Edgar.

To further create a flexible and convenient environment for customers, the company has also incorporated the Bolt Food Pick-up option that allows customers to order takeaway food and lets them collect their meal directly from a restaurant.

This means customers now have the option to pick up a takeaway on their way home or on the way to the office as opposed to waiting for it to be delivered. This will provide more choices for customers that are meant to meet their dynamic needs.

Further, Bolt Food has also created a feature that enables customers to use promo codes and coupons to pay for orders made on the app. As restaurants on the platform offer promotional items and campaigns, all active promotions will always be displayed in the Bolt Food app.

These initiatives are meant to create a flexible and convenient environment for customers as they enjoy excellent service on the Bolt Food app.

“Customer Experience on our platform remains a key priority in our operations. Our focus is to continue growing our brand and serving our customers in the best way possible through quality services tailored towards their needs”, said Edgar.

Bolt Food continues to scale up its operations and invest more into initiatives geared towards enhancing customer experience, and offering quality services as it grows its courier earnings.

The company also continues to grow its restaurant base on the platform, through continuous onboarding and leveraging its networks and partnerships.

The brand has developed an ecosystem of partners, with more than 5000 couriers actively operating on the platform, and over 900 quality restaurants actively operating on the platform.

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KQ recorded a drop in losses for the first half of the year to Ksh 5 billion from Ksh 7.3 billion recorded during a similar period last year.

The Group’s total revenue stood at Kshs 48,104 million, recording a 76% increase compared to the same period last year. The improved performance signifies a course change towards a steady path to recovery.

This increase is mainly attributed to significant growth in passenger revenue which grew by 109%, and cargo revenue which increased by 18%.

During the first half of 2022, operations were positively impacted by pent-up demand and the removal of travel restrictions, resulting in a strong and sustained recovery in trading performance compared to a similar period in the prior year.

KQ uplifted a total of 1.61 million passengers during the period, an 85% improvement compared to the prior year’s 0.87 million passengers.

This, however, remains 33% lower than the pre-pandemic period of 2019. Cargo tonnage increased by 39% compared to the same period in 2021, demonstrating continuous outstanding growth in air freight services.

Kenya Airways Board Chairman Michael Joseph said, “The opening of borders worldwide has led to quick rebounds in some key markets. Lingering travel restrictions in some markets have limited the recovery. It is also important to note that these results were further affected by the high price of aviation fuel which is over 65% more than last year. If we adjusted for the fuel price spike, the operating profit for the period would have been Kshs 1.5B.”

The International Air Transport Association is confident global airline passenger numbers will reach 83% of pre-pandemic figures in 2022, and the aviation industry’s recovery to profitability will be within sight despite ongoing uncertainties.

Strong demand, lifting travel restrictions in most markets, low unemployment in most countries, and expanded personal savings are fuelling a resurgence in demand that will see industry revenues reach USD782 billion, an increase of 54.5% year-on-year and representing 93.3% of 2019 levels.

Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka said, “The industry is experiencing recovery. Our focus is to ensure that we strengthen our operational resilience through innovation and diversification to deliver great and reliable services to our customers.

We have transformed the airline during the pandemic, enabling us to emerge with renewed strength, underpinned by a product, network and service that customers value.”            

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The Kisumu hotel will now be named Sarova Imperial Hotel Kisumu, its eighth hotel in Kenya.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sarova Hotels Group Managing Director Jimi Kariuki said that having a presence in Kisumu City and in the larger Western Kenya region has always been part of the hospitality group’s growth plan.

“The city’s location on the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, and the on-going modernisation of the lakefront makes Kisumu a unique destination to add to the Sarova experience,” said Kariuki.

Kisumu International Airport also makes the city easily assessable by air with daily 45-minutes flights from Nairobi operated by Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Safarilink Aviation. There is also a daily passenger train service from Nairobi to Kisumu.

Located in Kisumu’s Central Business District, Sarova Imperial Hotel is currently undergoing an extensive upgrade that once complete in July/August 2022 will see the launch of 93 renovated guest bedrooms including suites, new meetings facilities, and upgraded food and beverage outlets.

“In 1983, Imperial Hotel was built with the vision to establish a Western Kenya tourism circuit. However, we realize that we are in a global era in which professionalization and collaboration are crucial to success and to meet our vision. After operating the hotel for 40 years, Sarova Hotels is the ideal partner for further growth due to their industry leadership, rich history and a deep respect for community, tradition and sustainability,” said Imperial Hotel Chairman Amin Gilani.

In a competitive hospitality industry, Kariuki said the company will continue looking at organic and inorganic avenues for growth.

“Sarova Hotels has remained focused on growing our footprint in Kenya through identifying new hotel management opportunities. Having been in existence for over 48 years, we have the experience, the expertise and the business infrastructure to provide management support to hotel owners who are looking for this. We will continue to scout for new properties in Kenya and the region in line with the vision of our shareholders, as well as enter different segments of the hospitality business,” he added.

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The campaign usually involves a short nomination period where listeners nominate themselves to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience with their plus one. During the last season, the station received over two thousand entries.

Epic 48 is not an Urban Radio original idea per se, and they don’t attempt to claim so. The idea was adapted from syndicated radio show producer, R Dub, of the Sunday Night Slow Jams, which also aired on Urban Radio and other 200 radio stations across the world.

“Epic 48 is the flagship audience promotion by Urban Radio 90.7 FM. We think of ourselves as an epic station and this is one of the ways we reward our listeners,” said Urban Radio CEO Ben “Japs” Ogombe in an earlier interview with this publication.

To participate listeners are required to register by logging into https://www.urbanradio.co.ke/epic48/. Last year, Urban Radio and their partners splashed Sh 1.2 million to give the two winning couples an amazing two days that started with an eviction party at Kisumu’s Alleyways Beer Garden, a night at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel.

The couples then few to Nairobi via Safarilink for a brief stopover at Mara Olesereni and just as the contestants thought their afternoon could not get any better, they quickly hopped onto another flight to Diani in South Coast after a brief encounter at the hotel with their idols.

“I have always admired CMB Prezzo. I casually joked about it at our eviction party and you could imagine the surprise on my face when we arrived at Olesereni and there was Prezzo in flesh and blood coming to say hi to me and congratulating me for being among the Season 2 winners,” said an excited Athman Salim when we spoke on phone about his Epic 48 experience in November 2021.

“There were a lot of memorable moments in those two days. The party, the five-star hotels, the executive limos…but for me what stood out was the fact that Urban Radio spared no cent to keep the whole thing exciting. I would be joking about wanting to meet Prezzo, and the next hour he is at my table,” he added.

For Samantha Cook who was part of the other couple that won, it was the adrenaline that came with the competition…always trying to stay ahead of her competition during the elimination stages. She even got a skill out of it, she says.

“The contest was intense and fun at the same time. It actually made me work on my social media marketing skills to come out on top,” she says during a recent phone interview.

“My most memorable moments was when we went snorkelling, I love adventures. Being able to dive into the ocean and experience the underwater was just breathtaking,” she adds.

In our previous interview with Ogombe, he had promised that season 3 is going to be a passport edition, which means that contestants will be flying out of the country to a place they can have fun in and return to Kisumu within 48 hours…we hope that is still so.

When we talked earlier today about the launch though, he promised that this was going to be the best of the series ever.

“If you think Season 1 & 2 was something, you have not seen anything yet,” he says.

Why does the station spend so much money on fans for just 48 hours?

The station has three key pillars with the first being “music.” It’s known to play only number one hits; all the songs on the station’s music rotation were at one point number one in the charts. The second pillar is “the vibe,” the content, the conversation with presenters and the audience engagement.

The third pillar is lifestyle. They think of the station as a way of life. How do you define an urban person, what do urban people do?

“A big part of urban people is travelling, it’s experiencing places, it is having fun. So. Epic 48 falls squarely under that lifestyle pillar for Urban Radio” says Ogombe.

You can watch previous seasons of Epic 48 by clicking here.

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