The Petroleum Principal Secretary, Mr Andrew Kamau, forgot that you “don’t joke with a hungry man” after his assertion this week that Kenyans are practically paying no taxes for fuel due to the subsidy to oil marketing funds caused an uproar. Still, the authorities have
The Covid-19 pandemic led to the sabotage of the global supply chain hence hiking of fuel prices. This in return led to the spiral effect spilling to other sectors of the economy thus pushing up the cost of living. In a statement, National Treasury CS
Indoor political meetings are super spreader events for the coronavirus, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said during a press conference on June 20. What does this mean especially at this time when the political heat has intensified, with the majority of contenders hunting for votes from
No year has proven to be a momentous year for environmental management and conservation in Kenya than 2022. On June 16, 2022, the Senate passed the Sustainable Waste Management Bill, 2021, giving rise to a new order for efficient waste management, and propelling Kenya a
By WHO Antibacterial Pipeline Team Development of new antibacterial treatments is inadequate to address the mounting threat of antibiotic resistance, according to the annual pipeline report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The 2021 report describes the antibacterial clinical and preclinical pipeline as stagnant and
KENYA Why Ruto changed tune on his plan to abolish CBC Deputy President William Ruto has made a major turnabout on an earlier pledge to abolish the competency-based curriculum (CBC). Dr Ruto has instead promised a hybrid system of education if his Kenya Kwanza Alliance
KENYA Hoteliers, traders jostle for piece of KSh6bn rally windfall Palatial homeowners with spacious grounds in Naivasha are hurriedly setting up tents to cash in on the windfall from the World Rally Championship. With lodging spaces having been problematic during last year’s event, ingenuity is
Legislative Supplements, 2022 The Crops (Miraa) Regulations, 2022. The Crops (Coffee) (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. Acts, 2022 The Military Veterans Act, 2022. JUDICIARY The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Martha Koome, gazetted notice of the following: The Supreme Court recess shall commence on Monday,
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY The National Assembly has entered into Sine Die Recess (Indefinite suspension of sittings). SENATE Statement Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio made a Statement on the Business of the Senate. Motion The Senate approved the raising of the debt ceiling by the National Government
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties participating in the General Election to submit their Party List to IEBC. 25th June, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the
ELGEYO MARAKWET The Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Alex Tanui Tolgos, has appointed various persons to be members of the County Public Service Board. ISIOLO The Isiolo County Executive Committee Member in-charge of Health Services has reappointed persons to serve as members of the Isiolo
There was a hint of desperation in Johnson Sakaja’s voice as he sought to drag President Kenyatta into the troubles over his degree that have bedevilled him to no end this week. Although he insisted that the President, who was once his benefactor, was behind
World leaders assembled in Davos, Switzerland, for the 2022 World Economic Forum annual meeting against a backdrop of deepening global friction and uncertainties. It is against this backdrop that world leaders discussed the most pressing issues at the moment: Ukraine and the future of the
The war against cybercrime in Kenya went a notch higher following an initiative by the government to curb the surge in the vice. During the launch of a new DCI national forensic laboratory in Nairobi on Monday, June 13, 2022, President Kenyatta singled out sim
Development that meets current demands without jeopardising the ability of subsequent generations, ensuring the harmony between economic progress and care for the health of society and the environment, is known as Sustainable Development. Principles of Sustainable Development: Principle of holistic approach – Implies an integrated
KENYA DCI links Sakaja to global crime ring as ‘fake’ degree saga takes another twist Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja was Thursday night facing arrest after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said that he was a suspect in an international criminal syndicate even as his
KENYA Grain stuck at Tanzania border due to new import requirement Tanzania has imposed a new requirement on grain traders to get an export permit before shipping maize into the country, in a policy shift that has locked already bought stocks of grain by Kenyan
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY The National Assembly has entered into Sine Die Recess (Indefinite suspension of sittings). SENATE Communication from the Chair The Speaker of the Senate received a message from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the passage of the County Allocation of Revenue Bill
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties participating in the General Election to submit their Party List to IEBC 25th June, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the
NAIROBI The Governor of Nairobi City County has appointed various persons as County Environment Committee Members, effective 23rd May, 2022. MURANG’A The Speaker of Murang’a County Assembly has gazetted notice of the amended calendar of the Assembly Regular Sessions (2022). MOMBASA The Speaker of the
It will take a special process for the National Assembly to hold a sitting following last Thursday’s adjournment of its sittings indefinitely. Among the institutions that had hoped to have its issues resolved before the legislators effectively closed shop was the electoral commission, which had
This week, Justice George Odunga, sitting at the High Court in Machakos, gave a landmark ruling in a case that involved Invesco Assurance “Invesco”, the Insurance Regulatory Authority and the Attorney General. The petitioners and insured parties, sued the insurance regulator and the Attorney General
Kenyans can now smile as the Legislatures have moved to forestall a looming economic crisis by adding the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining Kshs 15 billion to fund the fuel subsidy programme. The skyrocketing fuel prices always lead to hiked prices of basic commodities hence
The Public Investments Committee of the National Assembly has called upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) management over delays in the construction of a transmission line to connect the Lake Turkana Wind Power plant to
By Chris Flowers The avocado fruit has, over the last decade and more, swept the world’s imagination and attention to iconic superfood levels. Like never before, the world has embraced avocado consumption, significantly increasing new plantings. However, environmental challenges lie as some of these new
On 5th June 2022, individuals, communities, civil societies, businesses and governments worldwide came together to mark World Environment Day under the theme #OnlyOneEarth. Stockholm held official celebrations where the host country Sweden announced a ban on issuing new licenses to extract coal, oil, and natural
Small, Medium-Sized Enterprises have been playing a vital role in the economy for decades. They account for most businesses worldwide and are essential contributors to job creation and global economic development. They represent about 90 per cent of businesses and more than 50 per cent
KENYA Block These People From Polls, EACC Tells Chebukati The anti-corruption watchdog Thursday put pressure on 241 aspirants facing integrity probes barred from contesting in the forthcoming General Election. However, efforts by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) were opposed by the electoral commission, which
KENYA Kenya FDI declines Kshs 31.5 billion amid rebound in the EAC Kenya’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows went against a regional recovery trend in 2021 after falling by $269 million (Kshs 31.47 billion), a United Nations survey showed on Thursday. The UN Conference on
Legislative Supplements, 2022 The Public Order (Marsabit County) Order, No. 2 of 2022 The Insurance Act – Exemption The Public Service Commission (County Appeals Procedures) Regulations, 2022 The Public Order (State Curfew) Order, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot Counties, Order No. 1 of 2022 National
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Communication from the Chair The Speaker acknowledged and welcomed a delegation of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC)-Zimbabwe Chapter from the Parliament of Zimbabwe. The Speaker reported to the National Assembly on the message from the Senate regarding its rejection of all
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Official campaign period 29th May 2022 – 6th August 2022 Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the County Assembly Elections 1st June 2022 – 7th June 2022. Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for
KAKAMEGA The Governor of Kakamega County has appointed various persons to an ad hoc Committee to consider and advise on the recommendation for the conferment of city status to Kakamega Municipality and town status to Sub-County headquarters in Kakamega County, for one (1) year, with
The Employment and Labour Relations Court has recently quashed the appointment of board members of certain state corporations, citing a lack of transparency and competitiveness in the recruitment process. The latest casualties include the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on May 31, 2022, shared a report with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) detailing the various moral, ethical, and integrity concerns pertaining to aspirants seeking elective positions in the August 9, 2022 General Election. Impact of Report
The public camaraderie exhibited by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his estranged deputy William Ruto, during the annual National Prayer Breakfast on May 26, 2022, flickered out just four days later, during the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1. During the annual National Prayer Breakfast day,
The time is now for the private sector to support economic prosperity and social mobility through a new social contract. An overhaul of the social contract will address 21st century realities and needs. A new social contract can deliver long-term value that enables economic security
KENYA Inside the deal that saw Kalonzo rejoin Azimio coalition Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has secured Cabinet slots and a commitment of law change to create the post of Prime Minister, which he will hold, should Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga form the next government.
KENYA New alcohol, SIM card taxes rock Parliament A Member of Parliament affiliated to Deputy President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition on Thursday evening proposed higher taxation on beer and a new duty on imported SIM cards in changes to the Finance Bill 2022 that
National Assembly Bills, 2022 The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2022. The Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Unemployment Insurance Authority Bill, 2022. Legislative Supplements, 2022 The Microfinance Act—Exemption. The Legal Aid (General) Regulations,
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Communication from the Chair Tributes following the untimely demise of member for Rabai Constituency Hon. William Kamoti. Motion Hon. Moses Cheboi moved the House to adopt the 5th Report of the Procedure and House Rules committee on amendments to the Standing Orders. Hon.
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the County Woman Member to the National Assembly elections. 1st June, 2022 to 3rd June, 2022. Nomination of political party
HOMA BAY The County Executive Committee member for Health Services has gazetted notice of the appointment of various persons to serve as members of Hospital Management Boards, for a period of three (3) years, effective 1st March, 2022. KILIFI The County Executive Committee member for
The draft Kenya Information and Communications Act (Interconnection) Regulations form part of a series of features highlighting the salient details of the four draft regulations published by the Ministry of ICT. Why is it important At its core, the draft Interconnection Regulations have been developed
Spiking of alcohol in entertainment joints has been a long-running menace for revellers who have raised concerns with relevant authorities over their safety. Revellers who have fallen prey to the alcohol spikers, now popularly known as ‘pishori babes’, have lost considerable amounts of money and
Manufacturing is a critical sector in Kenya’s economic development in its contribution to both the national output and exports, as well as job creation. Over the past decades, the sector has contributed heavily to diversifying Kenya’s economy. However, the pandemic in 2020 had a significant
KENYA In the Iron Lady of Kenyan politics, a statement of belief Raila Odinga’s running mate Martha Karua has excited sections of the population, especially the millions of Kenyan women and young girls who see her as the embodiment of a promise come true. Whether
KENYA KCB first quarter profit jumps to Sh9.9 billion KCB Group net earnings grew by more than half in the first quarter ended March, helped by higher interest and non-interest income and lower loan loss provisions. The lender’s net profit in the period stood at
Legislative Supplements, 2022 The Capital Markets (Whistleblower) Regulations, 2022. The Capital Markets (Conduct of Business) (Market Intermediaries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. The Capital Markets (Licensing Requirements) (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. The Value Added Tax (Digital Marketplace Supply) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. The Insurance (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. The
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Papers Laid The 2021/2022 Supplementary Estimates (ii) – Program – based Budget of the National Government of Kenya for the year ending 30th of June 2022. The 2021/2022 Supplementary Estimates (ii) – Development Expenditure, estimates of further sums required to be voted for
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the Presidential Election 29th May, 2022 to 6th June, 2022. Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the National Assembly Elections 29th May, 2022 to 31st May, 2022
WEST POKOT The Governor of West Pokot County has gazetted notice of the appointment of Julius Kases Kiluk as the County Executive Committee Member for Trade Investment and Cooperatives. TAITA TAVETA Clerk to the County Assembly of Taita Taveta has gazetted notice of numerous appointments
Rigathi Gachagua, William Ruto’s running mate, is reported to have caused disquiet within the Deputy President’s campaign team over a series of tactless remarks he has made since his appointment. The latest was made on Inooro FM earlier this week, where he suggested that a
From fibre optic cables to telecommunication masts, multimedia gateways to mobile money transfer platforms, the development and deployment of tangible and intangible ICT infrastructure is an extremely capital-intensive undertaking. ICT infrastructure rollout and availability is critical to ensure access to reliable digital services. In a
The Central Bank of Kenya on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, issued a press release in relation to licensing of Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). The deadline for licensing of DCPs is September 17, 2022. The announcement by CBK serves to remind DCPs that are yet to
In the days after they unveiled their choice of running mate, Raila Odinga and William Ruto have had the opportunity to sit back, watch the reactions and listen to feedback on their choices. Mr Odinga will be happy about what has been said of his
On November, 29, 2021, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) launched its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Disclosures Guidance Manual. These guidelines require that companies listed on the NSE report publicly on their ESG performance at least annually. Why is this important? Well, under the Code
KENYA Fresh hurdle as Raila’s Azimio legality challenged in court Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party, one of the two major political formations in the lead-up to the August 9 elections, faces a fresh hurdle after two petitioners challenged its legality at the High
KENYA Kenya’s debt repayments to China shoot to Sh73.5 billion Kenya’s debt repayments towards China-funded infrastructure projects have more than doubled to a record Sh73.48 billion this financial year on the back of increased clearance of principal sums after the grace period lapsed. Expenditure data
Legislative Supplements, 2022 The National Gender and Equality Commission (Complaints Handling Procedure) Regulations, 2022. The Supreme Court (Presidential Election Petition) (Amendment) Rules, 2022 The Breast Milk Substitutes (Regulation and Control) (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. The Export Processing Zones Act— Declaration of Export Processing Zones The
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Communication from the Chair The Speaker has referred all the amendments to the Huduma Bill, 2021, to the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security for winnowing and Public Participation. MPs with amendments are encouraged to attend meetings of the Committee to seek
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Presidential candidates deliver to IEBC a list of at least 2,000 voters registered in each of a majority of the counties 23rd May, 2022 Days for the nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the Presidential Election
MERU The Governor of Meru County has appointed various persons to be members of the Meru County Cancer Institute Board of Trustees, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from April 26, 2022The Governor of Meru County has appointed various persons to be
Impeached Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been the cause of a small-scale storm in Raila Odinga’s Azimio coalition. It initially seemed that Sonko had retired to Mombasa as an entrepreneur. He runs a club in the coastal city that he has worked to popularize on
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) recently released the Economic Survey 2022, detailing how various sectors and job markets performed and offered insight into the post Covid-19 recovery. Kenya’s economy rebounded in 2021 compared to 2020, with most sectors recording significant improvement. According to
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the establishment of an advanced forensic laboratory that will provide the authority the capability to access financial data from taxpayers’ computers and mobile phones, in a bid to detect tax evasion and to reduce financial fraud. The Kenyan
Agroecology is the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems. Studies reveal that agroecology offers solutions to the ongoing farming and food security challenges in Kenya such as drought, hunger, poverty, and inequality. Agroecology supports small scale farmers in diversity and ensures long-term balance between
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, May 12, 2022, chaired a session of the nation’s apex policy organ ‐ Cabinet ‐ at State House, Nairobi. The Cabinet considered the state of the economy within the context of the 2022 Economic Survey. In 2021, the Kenyan economy
Mental Health is a global issue. In analysis, more than 300 million people around the world are suffering from the leading problem of mental health, depression. This is a representation of 4.4% of the world’s total population. In Kenya, a staggering 1 out of 4
What is climate justice? “Climate justice” is a term that acknowledges climate change can have differing social, economic, public health, and other adverse impacts on underprivileged populations. This concept has emerged from the idea that historical responsibility for climate change lies with wealthy and powerful
KENYA Mudavadi, Karua lead in running mate race, Wiper Party boss a distant second Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Narc Kenya colleague Martha Karua are the most preferred running mates for Deputy President William Ruto and his main challenger Raila Odinga,
KENYA Manufacturers protest new KRA fuel, beer tax powers Manufacturers want the proposed powers to exempt excisable goods like fuel, beer and bottled water from annual price rises due to inflation to be taken away from Kenya Revenue Authority to the lawmakers, citing conflict of
Acts The County Governments Additional Allocations Act, 2022 National Assembly Bills, 2022 The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Bill, 2022 PUBLIC SECTOR Appointments The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has gazetted the appointment of Prof.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Messages On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, the National Assembly rejected the Wildlife Conservation (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 30 of 2020). Pursuant to the provisions of Article 112 of the Constitution, and standing order 149 of the NA standing orders, the Bill was
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline IEBC to publish in the Gazette, the names and symbols of persons intending to contest in the election as independent candidates 13th May, 2022. Political parties intending to present a Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates through party primaries or
KIAMBU Speaker of the Kiambu County Assembly has gazetted notice that a special sitting of the Assembly shall be held in the Assembly Chamber in the Main Assembly Buildings, on Monday, May 16, 2022, for purposes of considering the Report of the Budget and Appropriations
As of 2020, the insurance penetration rate in Kenya was at 2.17 percent, down from 2.34 percent in the preceding year. Kenya has maintained a descending trajectory since 2016, when the penetration rate was at 2.78 percent. Research conducted by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has published draft rules that will, among other things, provide for share buybacks by listed companies in Kenya. Despite the Companies Act, 2015, introducing the concept of share buyback in the country, the CMA expressed concerns that the move could
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission this week announced the start of the verification of the voters’ register, more than two months behind schedule. The commission, abbreviated IEBC, is traditionally kept on its toes by the political parties through their party leaders and stakeholders such
Pillars of Focus to Entrench Sustainable Living Sustainability is the ability to continue a defined behaviour indefinitely in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. According to the International Union for Conservation
KENYA Uhuru offers Kenneth and Sabina in search for Raila running mate Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, Mr Peter Kenneth and Ms Martha Karua are among 20 individuals whose names have been submitted to a panel vetting running mate candidates for Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential
KENYA Economy grows fastest in 11 years on easing Covid curbs Kenya’s economy rebounded in 2021 to grow at the fastest pace in 11 years on easing of Covid-19 restrictions which boosted recovery in key sectors excluding agriculture whose activities were hit by poor rainfall.
Acts The Kenya Deposit Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2022 Senate Bills 2022 The County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2022 National Assembly Bills 2022 The Kenya School of Law (Amendment) BIll, 2022 The Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2022 The Finance Bill, 2022 The Legal Education (Amendment)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Currently on recess and due to resume regular sessions on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. SENATE Communication from the Chair Passage of the Coffee Bill (Senate Bills No.22 of 2022) by the National Assembly. Papers Laid The Annual Report of the Office of the
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline IEBC to publish in the Gazette, the names and symbols of persons intending to contest in the election as independent candidates 13th May, 2022. Political parties intending to present a Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates through party primaries or
EMBU The CECM member for Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization, Embu County, has appointed numerous persons to be members of the Sub-County Alcoholic Drinks Regulation Committees for a term of three (3) years from May 6, 2022.
Energy is vital for the economic progress of a country. It has a significant impact on all aspects of development, ranging from environment, social, economic, agriculture, population and livelihood. The COVID-19 pandemic also served to catalyse digitalisation of all aspects of economic activities. . Kenya’s
The camps of both leading presidential candidates put aside their rivalry this week to push a pliable electoral commission to extend the deadline for the submission of their running mates by 20 days. While the names of the candidates and their mates were originally scheduled
The World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on April 26. Since the year 2000, the day is celebrated to raise awareness of the impact patents, copyright, trademarks and design have on our daily life. Intellectual Property (IP) rights are used to encourage innovation and
At their most basic level, sustainability and safety are really about the same thing: conserving resources. In fact, they are intertwined with safety being an enabler towards building a sustainable business. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies are necessary for the achievement of several Sustainable
KENYA Azimio, Kenya Kwanza allied MPs turn Kibaki sitting to political duel A special sitting of the National Assembly to mourn former President Mwai Kibaki was reduced to a political duel between Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya and Kenya Kwanza coalitions. The sitting was called
KENYA Safaricom gets Sh46bn loan for Addis licence Standard Chartered Bank Kenya was one of the major banks that lent Safaricom a total of $400 million (Sh46.3 billion) last year, helping the telecom operator pay for its Ethiopian licence. “The $400 million facilities comprised a
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Currently on recess and set to resume regular sessions on 10th May, 2022. However, the National Assembly convened a special sitting via an exceptional motion in honour of the third President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E the late Emilio Mwai Kibaki. SENATE
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
Public Holidays The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government, Fred Matiang’i has declared Friday 29th April, 2022 to be a public holiday throughout the Republic in order to accord all Kenyans the opportunity to participate in the State Funeral Service in honour
EMBU Speaker of the County Assembly of Embu has gazetted notice of a special sitting of the County Assembly on Thursday, 28th April, 2022 at 10.00 a.m. The business to be transacted at the Special Sitting shall be Approval Consideration of the Embu County Supplementary
Kenya is poised to introduce coding for secondary and primary school students. This is after the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) approved a new syllabus that offers to equip children with coding skills. The rollout of the syllabus in Kenya will be a first
Faced with pressure from different directions over a decision on his running mate, Raila Odinga this week resorted to a politically secure method – having the decision determined by a committee. While it had always seemed like Kalonzo Musyoka would return to the spot beside
On Thursday, April 21, 2022, US Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo issued a statement on the establishment of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum. The forum consists of Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and the United States of
By Paul Okanda The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many economic sectors and allowed a number of them to accelerate their hitherto slow adoption of information technology systems for efficient service delivery. One of the showcase emerging sectors remains education. This sector is now thriving with