How to approach development projects in Kenya

Development projects in Kenya have gone a long way in ensuring that the lives of many people in the rural and even in the urban areas are uplifted.

Due to lack of jobs in the country, these projects have come in handy in ensuring that these people have something to keep them busy and also to help them put food on their table.

However, for these projects to achieve their intended mission, there are various factors which must be followed and adhered to.

Let’s look at some of the ways these projects can be approached so as to ensure that they benefit the right people.

Development projects in Kenya

Tips on how to approach development projects in Kenya

Use local professionals

As much as most of these development projects are funded by foreign donors it does not mean that we should also hire or employ professionals from abroad to execute the projects. Professionals in the country understand more the issues on the ground and as such are in a better position to address them.

Long term projects

Many development projects in the country last for a period of two years or less something which I feel should be changed. They need to be given more time in the form of long term projects. I know most of us will agree with me when I say that the two year period or less is not sufficient enough for the completion of these projects.

Due to the time limit, many projects are not completed and thus they do not meet the targets and the mission they were intended to. This way the people and lives, we intended to change or uplift remain unchanged.

Encourage locals to participate

Since projects are started to uplift the lives of those living in the targeted area, it's important that the local people are involved in the execution of the project so as to achieve its intended goals. This is why it is important that the people responsible for these projects incorporate the local people in the projects so as to ensure that they feel part of it from the onset.

Accountability

Accountability is one of the areas that we need to look into if we are really serious about success of development projects. This is why the people responsible for any project must be able to account for the funds given to them. Without accountability, most of these projects will not achieve their intended goals and as such the local people who are meant benefit from them will not.

Evaluation

The projects should also be evaluated so as soon as they are completed so as to ensure they achieved their goals and that the funds allocated to the projected was actually utilized well. This is also the stage where issues which could could have hindered the success of the project can be identified and corrective measures undertaken.

If we do this to all the development projects in Kenya, I am sure many lives will be transformed for the better.

How to set up a publishing company in Kenya

Before starting a private publishing company in Kenya, one needs to understand various factors which will definitely ensure that nothing goes wrong in the whole process.

There are various steps which one needs to adhere to before anything else. Let's look at some of these factors.
Steps to setting up a publishing company in Kenya

Make a decision

This is the most important part of any strategy. One needs to make that decision of starting a publishing company. One also needs to decide if what he/she wants is to make writing and publishing a serious business or will it just be a hobby.

Publishing Company in Kenya

Research your options

This is the step in the process of opening a publishing company. One needs to research his/her options. This will give bone idea on what options are available in his/her country.

Consult with experts

Consulting with the experts is also one of the important steps towards getting to know the important factors which will help one get all the necessary information about what one intends to do.

Decide on a business name

Once you have decided on which type of business you want to set up. The next step will be to decide on the name of your business. Ensure that the name you choose for your business is unique and that it is not registered or trademarked by any other business.

This is also the stage where you want to choose a business name that is professional and perfectly fits your brand. This is very important and it advisable that you do not rush into choosing the name. Take your time to think critically because your business name will definitely stay with you for a long time.

Finalize the business type

After you have all the above steps and you are sure that you have chosen the right name for your business, you can now finalize the set up of your publishing company.

Set up your business bank account

It’s important that you set up a business bank account for your business. Remember different banks have different requirements for opening a business account. You therefore need to consult your local banks for more details.

Set up an accounting system

It’s also important that one sets up an accounting system for the business. This is very important, especially in ensuring that all accounting issues are dealt with well.

Register a domain Name for your business
For a business to be known and grow fast it needs an online presence. This is why nit is important that one registers a domain name for his/her business.

This will add more professionalism to your company and it can also be the best platform for one to post a list of your published books.

Learn laws related to your business
This a very important aspect one has to ensure that he/she adheres to. There are different laws governing different types of businesses in the country and it is very important that one takes time to study and understand them so as not to go contrary and get into trouble.

Well the above are the steps that one needs to follow when setting up a publishing company in Kenya.

How to select the best electronics in Kenya

Just like buying any other product, buying electronics in Kenya can be a hectic activity, especially if one does not understand what to look out for.

It’s very important that one does a thorough research of the product one intends to buy before embarking on the whole process of buying electronic goods.

Before settling on a particular product, one needs to consider the following tips so as not to go wrong in his/her choice.

Electronics in Kenya

Tips on how to buy electronics in Kenya

Know your needs

The most important aspect of ensuring that you save some money while buying electronics is knowing what really need and what you would want to use versus what’s available. As the technology continues to grow there are a lot of advanced gadgets available in the market now. For example, if you only interested in using the basic applications or software, you don’t need to look for those advanced graphics and processors.

If you are looking for a computer to store a lot of stuff such as photo, music and or movies, then you will have to look for a machine with a higher memory, or use a flash drive or even a hard drive to store your files.

Know your Digs

When making all the arrangements of getting a new gadget, one needs to ensure that she/he has a list of all the things she/he wants the gadget to do for them. This list will ensure that you rule out any gadget that doesn’t have everything you need or you might require now and in the future as you continue using your machine or gadget.

By doing this you will be able to eliminate over or under buying, and thus ensuring that you only buy the perfect fit without much struggle nor having to go through a lot of processes. The other thing one should never forget is the budget. Many people seem to forget including the budget when planning to buy an electronic.

One needs to understand that having a budget will help you shop for the best gadget that is also within your means. In other words a budget will ensure that you do not over spent.

Know your Gigs

It's also very important that one knows what he wants to do with the machine or electronic. With the growing technology, it's now easier for one to stream live TV, movies. And this why its important that that one gathers all the information about how much data he/she will need if they are going to stream live anything.

As we continue looking at the growing technology in the country, it’s a fact that it is growing and very fast. This only means that everyone has to keep up with the coming trends if they want to continue being relevant to the technological world.

This is why the entire process of buying electronics in Kenya has been simplified and made easier for buyers who are in need of these gadgets.

Important aspects of online shopping in Kenya

Online shopping in Kenya plays a very big role in the purchasing of products across the country and beyond.

Many people have come to embrace and love the new technology ever since it was introduced, terming it as a more convenient way of shopping as compared to the old ways of shopping.

Many of them have argued out they no longer have to go to a supermarket to do their shopping, since they can easily shop online while in the comfort of their homes.

The best thing about this technology is that one can shop even if he/she is travelling as long as you have a smart phone or laptop and can access internet.

It’s due to these that the number of online shoppers has increased drastically and by the look of things, the numbers are set to grow even higher.

Online shopping in Kenya

Even as we continue to celebrate the growth of online shopping in the country, there are various factors an online shopper needs to understand if he/she wants to remain safe while shopping online.

Below are some important aspects of online shopping in Kenya one needs to know.

Aspects of online shopping in Kenya

Convenience

Convenience is one of the most important aspects of online shopping. This is because consumers of the modern society are getting busier than ever as a result they want an easy way of getting all the products they require without having to physically avail themselves in the supermarket.

Since most online stores operate 24hrs, it’s easier for one to shop in the evening when he/she is back in the house.

The only thing one needs to do is to search for the product of choice while seated in the house or even when in bed, place an order and that’s it.

Easy access to product information

It’s very easy to search for a product on the internet than manually walking from store to store.  This is why easy access to product information is an important aspect of online shopping. When one searches for a product online, she/he will be able to get all the product information and also compare the price of the product on different platforms.

One will also have the privilege of seeing reviews and recommendations about the product. These reviews and recommendations are very important,especially in helping a shopper make up his/her decision.

Security and privacy

Even as more and more people continue to shop online for their products, many of them are still not sure of their security while online. Many have undergone experiences whereby some have been duped into buying products which do not exist. This is why many are very concerned with the issue of privacy, especially when they are giving out their important details.

This is why it is very important that online shoppers are educated about how they can shop safely in an online store and how to differentiate a genuine online store from a fraudster.

Online shopping in Kenya will definitely continue to grow and that’s why all stakeholders need to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the entire process of online shopping runs smoothly.

Things to learn about quantity surveyors in Kenya

Even as the construction industry continues to grow, there is also  an increasing need for the services of quantity surveyors bin Kenya. This is because more and more skilled roles are becoming available.

It's important that we all understand the fact that quantity surveyors are the ones responsible for the cost of any building project. This is from the initial estimates, right through to the final acquisition of materials.

These professionals strive to ensure that their clients get value for their money even as they adhere to the strict regulations which govern every aspect of the construction industry.

They have responsibilities ranging from office work, attending meetings with clients and other project personnel to jobs on the construction site.

Quantity surveyors in Kenya

Let’s look at some of the things involved in quantity survey.

About quantity surveyors in Kenya

Quantity surveyors are responsible for the preparation of contracts, including details regarding quantities of required materials.

They are also required to take care of the on-going of analysis of maintenance and repair work.

They are also the ones responsible for the preparation of feasibility studies of client requests.

Quantity surveyors are also charged with the responsibility of allocating upcoming work to contractors.

They also do site visits, assessments and projections for future work, together with analyzing completed work and arranging payment to contractors.

A quantity surveyor may choose to specialize in a specific area of the construction industry or focus on many other areas such as property taxation, costing advice, maintenance of existing buildings and application to funding sources.

I know many of us do not really understand what one needs to know about quantity survey as a profession and how they can qualify for a job.

Educational requirements for quantity surveyors

Just like any other profession in Kenya, a quantity surveyor must hold an appropriate qualification either a relevant university degree or a professional accreditation.

There are a number of courses which one can study to become a quantity surveyor such as courses of surveying, construction and civil and structural engineering. One can choose from the above courses if he/she really wants to begin a journey in the field of quantity survey.

Skills required

Apart from just having the relevant academic qualifications, it’s also very important that one has the necessary skills that will help him/her to execute their duties.

This is why most employers will always look out for applicants who are excellent communicators and posses impressive numeracy skills which they can use to handle the financial and mathematical demands of the role.

Problem solving skills

One must also have problem solving skills so as to be able to solve issues brought up by clients and have the ability to negotiate across the various levels of any construction environment.

Passion

Having the passion to do the work or working as a quantity surveyor is also another great thing when coming to the whole survey career. This means that one will perform his/her duties with a lot of passion.

Well I believe that we have been able to learn a thing or two about quantity surveyors in Kenya and the role they play in the construction industry.

Examples of development projects in Kenya

Development projects in Kenya have been defined in different ways considering their sustainability. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development can be therefore be reduced to two key concepts: needs and limitations. Needs refers to those in need or the world’s poor while limitations are those imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environments ability to meet present and future needs.

There are several of examples of development projects in Kenya as stated below;

Development projects in Kenya

Examples of development projects in Kenya

Crop rotation

Crop rotation is the planting of different crops on the same land to improve soil fertility and help control insects and diseases. Crop rotation is beneficial in several ways, most notably because it is chemical free. The farming practice has proven to maximize the growth potential of land, while also preventing disease and insects in the soil.

This form of development will not only help and benefit the commercial farmers, but it will also aid those who practice gardening at home.

Solar Energy

Solar energy has played a major role in the improving the lives of many people. The greatest advantage of solar energy is that it is completely free and is available in a limitless supply. Both of these factors provide a huge benefit to consumers and help reduce pollution. Replacing non-renewable energy with this type of energy is therefore both environmentally and financially effective.

Wind energy

Just like solar energy, wind energy is another readily available energy source. Harnessing the power of wind energy necessitates the use of windmills. However due to the construction costs and the hustle of finding a suitable location, this kind of energy is meant to service more than just the individual.

The best thing about wind energy is that it can supplement or even replace the cost of grid power, and therefore may be a good investment and remains a great example of sustainable development project.

Efficient Water Fixtures

It takes a lot of energy to produce and transport water and to process waste. Since less than one percent of the earth’s available water supply is fresh water, it is therefore important that sustainable water use is employed at the individual and social level.

This is because replacing current construction practices and supporting the installation of efficient shower heads, toilets and other water appliances can conserve one of Earths most precious resources; water.

Green Space

Green spaces include parks and other areas where plants and wildlife are encouraged to thrive. It’s also important to note that these spaces also offer the public great opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, especially in dense, urban areas.

Advantages of green spaces include; helping regulate air quality and climate, recharging groundwater supplies and protecting lakes and streams from polluted runoff, reducing energy consumption by countering the warming effects of paved surfaces.

An individual’s general and mental health could also improve if the person affected moved to a greener area. This is because the patient will be able to get the fresh air he/she desperately needs. The calmer environment will also provide a mentally disturbed person with the peace of mind.

It’s indeed evident that development projects in Kenya have played a very important role in ensuring that many people are able to sustain themselves and cater for their families and needs independently.

How Irrigation equipment in Kenya are selected

Reliable and suitable irrigation equipment can lead to a vast improvement in agricultural production and thus assure the economy vitality of the region. Many countries depend on irrigated agriculture to provide the basis of their society and enhance the security of their people.

Effective agronomic practices are essential components of irrigated systems. Management of the soil fertility, cropping selection and rotation, and pest control may also help improve the yields just as irrigation water itself.

Irrigation equipment in Kenya

Irrigation is not only about watering plants but it’s also about drainage, soil reclamation and erosion control. It’s therefore important that if any of these factors are ignored, through either lack of understanding or planning, agricultural productivity will definitely decline.

How to choose irrigation equipment in Kenya

Irrigation systems are often designed to maximize efficiency and minimize labour and capital requirements. The most effective management practices are dependent on the type of irrigation system and its design. There are a number of considerations which must be taken into account in the selection of an irrigation system. This will include the compatibility of the system with the other farm operations, economic feasibility, topographic and soil properties, crop characteristics and social constraints.

Compatibility

An irrigation system for a field or a farm must function alongside other farm operations such as land preparation, cultivation, and harvesting. The use of the large mechanized equipment requires longer and wider fields and therefore the irrigation systems must not interfere with these operations.

The irrigation system may need to be portable or function primarily outside the crop boundaries. The smaller equipment or animal powered cultivating equipment is more suitable for small fields and more permanent irrigation facilities.

Economics

It’s important that you select a relevant irrigation system because it is a very important economic decision. Some types of pressurized systems have high capital and operating costs but may utilize minimal labour and conserve water. Their use tends towards high value cropping patterns.

Other systems are however relatively less expensive to construct and operate but have high labour requirements. Some are limited by the type of soil or the topography found on the field. The cost of maintenance and expected life of the rehabilitation along with an array of annual costs like energy, water, depreciation, land preparation, labour maintenance and taxes should therefore be included in the selection of an irrigation system.

Water supply

The quality and quantity of the source of water can have a significant impact on the irrigation practices. Crop water demands are continuous during the growing season and as a result soil moisture reservoir transforms this continuous demand into a periodic one which the irrigation system can service.

A water supply with a relatively small discharge is best utilized in an irrigation system which incorporates frequent applications. The depths applied per irrigation would tend to be smaller under these systems than under systems having a large discharge which is available less frequently.

Crops

The yields of many crops may be as much affected by how water is applied as the quantity delivered. Irrigation systems create different environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature and soil aeration. They affect the plants differently because they wet different parts of the plant thereby introducing various undesirable consequences like leaf burn, fruit spotting and deformation.

On the other hand, Rice thrives under ponded conditions. Some crops have high economic value and allow the application of more capital intensive practices. Deep rooted crops are more amenable to low frequency, high application rate systems than shallow rooted crops.

Its therefore very important to put the above factors in mind whenever you are choosing irrigation equipment in Kenya so that to avoid the possible mistakes that could lead to the reduction of farm yields.