Kenya Interviews - MarcoPolis

AquaRech, a leading aquaculture technology company founded in 2019 by Dave Okech, is revolutionizing fish farming in Kenya and beyond through innovative solutions tailored to address critical challenges faced by smallholder fish farmers. Leveraging a digital platform powered by mobile app technology, AquaRech bridges gaps in the aquaculture sector by providing farmers with high-quality fish feeds, credit financing, market access, and technical support. The AquaRech Fish Farmer app, accessible through both smartphone and USSD versions, empowers farmers with tools to monitor fish growth, track feed usage, and connect with a structured fish market through a unique buyback system. Additionally, the AquaRech Fish Deli app caters to consumers, offering doorstep delivery of air-fried Kenyan farmed tilapia, showcasing the company’s commitment to vertical integration.

AquaRech’s innovative solutions, such as the “buy now, pay later” financing model, help farmers access critical inputs like feed, enabling them to reduce production time from 16 months to 8 months and achieve a 40% increase in productivity. The integration of IoT water temperature sensors and real-time performance tracking further enhances precision farming. AquaRech not only supports sustainable fish farming practices but also aims to transition smallholder farmers into commercially profitable ventures. With over 6,000 farmers on its platform and a goal to scale to 10,000 by next year, the company is set to make a significant impact on the aquaculture industry in Kenya and expand its reach to East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

Having raised nearly $3 million in funding through seed rounds, grants, and debt financing, AquaRech is poised for rapid growth. The company’s ambitious Series A funding round, targeting $8 to $10 million, will focus on scaling credit financing, enhancing production systems, and increasing market access for farmers. By addressing overfishing, declining fish stocks, and Africa’s growing protein demand, AquaRech positions itself as a key player in the sustainable transformation of aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Through its digital solutions and strategic partnerships with organizations like Equity Bank, AquaRech is ensuring that fish farming is not just viable but profitable for thousands of smallholder farmers.

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Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential: How Brazafric Group Leads in Regenerative Farming Insights from CEO Marcos Brandalise

November 12, 2024

This interview with Marcos Brandalise, the Founder and CEO of Brazafric Group of Companies (BGC), dives into the company’s impactful journey within Africa’s agriculture sector. With over three decades of experience in Kenya, Brandalise shares Brazafric’s mission to foster sustainable growth and development across Africa by providing specialized agricultural equipment, farm management, and consultancy services. Brazafric Group, with its Brazil-Africa synergy, leverages tropical agriculture expertise to introduce innovative regenerative agriculture practices, like conservation agriculture, aimed at promoting carbon sequestration, sustainable water management, and bio-based inputs. This approach supports soil regeneration and addresses Africa’s food security needs.

Brandalise discusses Brazafric’s holistic, environmentally friendly approach, which includes working with smallholder farmers to ensure their integration into larger agricultural initiatives. With ongoing farm development projects and partnerships with foreign investors and Italian equipment manufacturers, Brazafric aims to drive local production and reduce import dependency. Emphasizing industrialization and the importance of creating market opportunities in Africa, Brandalise highlights how Brazafric’s equipment distribution has captured significant market share across East and Central Africa. The interview sheds light on Brazafric’s commitment to Africa’s agricultural future, focusing on empowering African investors and supporting sustainable practices that protect local ecosystems.

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Financial Independence for Kenyans: Jonathan Asena’s Vision for Kimisitu Sacco

November 5, 2024

In this engaging interview, Jonathan Asena, the Marketing and Business Development Manager at Kimisitu Sacco, delves into the cooperative’s mission and milestones. With a history spanning nearly 40 years, Kimisitu Sacco stands out in Kenya’s financial landscape, now serving over 14,000 members across 70 countries. Known for its dedication to digital transformation, Kimisitu offers services that extend far beyond traditional savings and loans. Jonathan discusses the Sacco’s emphasis on affordable credit, financial literacy, and housing solutions, as well as its commitment to supporting Kenyans both locally and abroad. Discover how Kimisitu Sacco is empowering individuals and making financial independence accessible to a global Kenyan community.

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Exclusive Interview: Shaileen Jiwa on Luxury Hospitality at Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi

September 12, 2024

In this exclusive interview, Shaileen Jiwa, the General Manager of Gem Forest Hotel in Nairobi, shares insights into the luxury hospitality industry and the unique aspects that make Gem Forest Hotel a standout destination. As the flagship MGallery hotel in Africa, the property combines elegant design, personalized experiences, and a deep commitment to storytelling. Shaileen discusses the evolving trends in Nairobi’s tourism, the hotel’s focus on corporate and leisure travelers, and her passion for creating memorable, one-of-a-kind guest experiences.

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Redefining Luxury: Jigar and Dil Patel on the Vision Behind Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery Collection

August 14, 2024

In this insightful interview, Jigar and Dil Patel, Project Development Directors at Jit Group, share the journey and vision behind the establishment of the Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi, part of the prestigious MGallery Collection. The discussion highlights the Patel brothers’ deep-rooted passion for hospitality, their innovative approach to sustainable luxury, and the unique design elements that set their boutique hotel apart in Nairobi’s vibrant and growing hospitality sector. Their commitment to excellence, sustainability, and creating memorable guest experiences shines through as they discuss the hotel’s development, its distinctive features, and future plans.

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East Africa Brazil: Bridging Brazilian Expertise and African Agriculture for Sustainable Development

August 2, 2024

In this interview, we delve into the visionary efforts of João Ramos, Managing Partner at East Africa Brazil International. Ramos explains the initiative’s core concept of leveraging Brazilian expertise to enhance infrastructure and agricultural sectors in Africa, beginning with Kenya. The focus is on implementing regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil quality, diversify crops, and promote sustainable farming techniques. By engaging local landowners and providing comprehensive training, East Africa Brazil International aims to transform agriculture into a lucrative and appealing career for the youth, thereby fostering economic self-sufficiency and food security for smallholder farmers.

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Alpesh Vadher Presents PKF in Eastern Africa: A Leading Accounting and Consulting Firm in Kenya

July 30, 2024

The interview with Alpesh Vadher, CEO of PKF in Eastern Africa, provides an insightful overview of the firm’s journey, services, and strategic vision. Founded in 1964, PKF has grown into a significant player in the East African accounting and consulting industry. In this conversation, Alpesh Vadher discusses the firm’s history, the range of services offered, and its competitive advantages. He also addresses current economic and political challenges in the region, the impact of global trends on local markets, and PKF’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. Additionally, Alpesh shares his personal journey and leadership philosophy, offering a glimpse into his experiences and aspirations for the future of the firm.

Kenya Health & Pharma Kenya Interviews

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Dr. Toseef Din Presents M.P. Shah Hospital, Kenya’s Premier Patient-Centric Facility

July 29, 2024

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Toseef Din presents M.P. Shah Hospital, Kenya’s premier patient-centric healthcare facility. Established in the late 1920s, M.P. Shah Hospital has grown exponentially, evolving into a Level 6 hospital. With a robust focus on patient-centered care and continual investment in state-of-the-art technology, infrastructure, and human resources, M.P. Shah Hospital has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the region. Dr. Din’s strategic vision and commitment to transformative healthcare solutions have not only propelled the hospital’s expansion to triple its bed capacity and workforce, but also solidified its reputation as a leader in specialized medical services, including oncology, cardiovascular care, and maternal health. Join us as Dr. Din shares insights into M.P. Shah Hospital’s journey, challenges, achievements, and ambitious plans.

Kenya Health & Pharma Kenya Interviews

Addressing Kenya’s Healthcare Crisis: Innovative Solutions for Financing and Accessibility by Checkups Cova

July 15, 2024

In this insightful interview, we explore the pressing issues facing the healthcare sector in Kenya and Africa with Renee Ngamau, Co-Founder and President, and Dr. Moka Lantum, Co-Founder and CEO of Checkups Cova. With their extensive expertise, they discuss the state of healthcare, the financial burdens faced by citizens, and the innovative solutions Checkups Cova is implementing to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Their pioneering approach aims to transform the healthcare landscape by embedding financial solutions into healthcare benefits, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations can receive the care they need. Join us as we delve into their mission to revolutionize healthcare financing and accessibility in Africa.

Kenya Financial Services Kenya Interviews

Kenya Financial Services: David Morema Presents Virtual Pay, the Global Digitized Payments Gateway

July 15, 2024

In this insightful interview, we sit down with David Morema, the dynamic CEO of Virtual Pay, a leading payment service provider based in Kenya, with global operations. David shares details about Virtual Pay’s innovative solutions tailored for niche industries, including various payment collection methods and cutting-edge tap-to-pay technology on Android devices. Join us as we delve into David Morema’s professional background, the comprehensive services Virtual Pay offers, and the exciting new projects set to revolutionize payment processing across Africa and beyond.