News Letters - Kenya Seed Company

Record yields with H629maize seed. Farmer experience

Inside this issue;• What makes some retail businesses so successful• The different types of wheat

We welcome feedback from readers. Please include your name and address. Mail to the Editor, seed news magazine, [email protected] or deliver to Corporate Communications O� ce.

Views expressed in this magazine are the authors and do not re� ect the views of the company.

OUR NEW ULTRA MODERN BUILDING

3July - March 2011 July - March 2011 July - March 2011 [email protected]

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE:

Sammy Chepsiror, Philip Chemwetich,

Francis Mwaura, Eunice Ombachi, Ken

Wekulo, Hosea SirmaMANAGING EDITOR:

Sammy Chepsiror

CONTRIBUTORS:Ken Wekulo, Francis Ndambuki,

MichaelKibebe, Alphonse laboso, SammyChepsiror, Leshan Kijape, Elijah

Koskei,Priscah Chepkwony, John Muli,

DruscillaMokaya, Magdalene Khisa,

MudogoRotich, Rebecca Lagat, Jael

Kirwa,Wycliff e Muchanji, Charles

Nyakiongora,PHOTOGRAPHY:

Hosea Sirma, Stephen Malakwen,Bernard Wambua, Jael Kirwa and

Druscilla MokayaAll correspondence to:Th e Managing Editor,

Seed News,P.o Box 553,

Kitale, Kenya.Th e views and opinions expressedherein are the authors and do not

necessarily represent those of Kenya

Seed Company ltd.Design/layout & Print:

Diverse Links Enterprises

TECHNOLOGY...............................................5What Makes Some Retail Businesses So Successful By P. Chemwetich- It Department 5New Wheat Stem Rust Race (Ug99) – An Overview By K. Wekulo- Research Department 5Importance Of Soil Testing By Alphonce M. Muthama-Research Department 6

TACTIC..........................................................6First Impression Strategy By Churchill Kitazi- Marketing Department, Bungoma Branch 6

KNOW YOUR PRODUCTS...............................6� e Di� erent Types Of Wheat By K. Wekulo- Research Department 6

IN HOUSE NEWS............................................8New Members Of Sta� 8Housing Policy. 10Sta� Pro� le 10

INSPIRATION................................................11Record Yields With H629 Maize Seed. By Wycli� e Muchanji- Marketing Department 11Vegetable Seed Grower By Edwin Tarus-Research Department 11

TEAMWORK..................................................12Fun At � e Workplace By Eng. Geo� rey Chepkwony- Processing Department 12Make A Friend Today By Mrs. Anna Wamache - Marketing Department 12

BUSINESS STANDARDS...................................13Ksc Iso Recerti� ed 13Iso 9001: 2008 Certi� cation. 13

SMART LEADERSHIP.......................................14� e Eye Of A Strategist By Edwin Kiptarus-Research Department 14

CUSTOMER SERVICE.......................................14How Important Is A Customer By Eliza Jerop- Administration 14� e Essence Of Time Management By Titus Ayabei- Hr & Admin Department 14

HEALTH......................................................... 15Why People Take Drugs By Liz Rerimoi – Corporate Communications Department 15Physical warning signs of drug abuse 16Behavioral signs of drug abuse 16Psychological warning signs of drug abuse 16Self assessment 16

KSC DEPARTMENTS........................................17Procurement View 17Vision 17Mission Statement 17Meditation Of � e Month. 18

Content

4 July - March 2011 July - March 2011 July - March 2011 [email protected]

Many challenges take place in ourbusiness environment some are positive and others are negative to our business success. As far as rainfall is concerned this year, the weather menare rededicating doom. � is is a hard time for our country in as far as food security is concerned. � is is largely because of the bad weather conditions that have the country. As if that is not enough the weathermen have also predicted that the same is not going to change any time soon. However at KSC we are lucky that we have products that can do well during dry season. Fellow colleagues, I want to appeal to you that to advise farmers on the relevant variety of seeds that can stand this expected dry spell. Kenya Seed Company has diversi� ed crop varieties to avail to farmers in order to guarantee food security in the country. As KSC community, it is known that we provide over 75% of food crops in this country through seeds maize.However the year ahead is grim because of the expected erratic weather .we therefore have to be proactive in giving relevant information to our farmers and stakeholders to enable them face these challenges. � is situation may be gravened by the fact that most eastern Africans countries depend on us to avail enough seed to meet their food demand. Our research and development has done a tremendous job in the research for drought tolerant varieties to mitigate the expected challenges. However better yielding varieties without proper agronomic information and practice may not meet the intended purpose. Our duty therefore, is t odeliver relevant agricultural information to the farming communities of this country and the region at large, that will accelerate the transformation of agriculture in theregion. As a team it’s important to avail this crucial information all times and more so at this time. Remember seed is life. We are the solution; Kenya is waiting for the solution. Adequate seed in the market is not a guarantee to high yields. � e right seed for the right ecological zone enables us to meet our mandate and vision. I heard one farmer say “afya nzuri yatokana na chakula kizuri, mbengu bora yatokana na Kenya seed company”. � is narrates why we are so important in provision of food & sustainability of food security in this region as is summarized in our vision. � e preferred supplier of top quality seed in Africa.

EditorialForeword

KSCo. Wheat breeder Mr. K. Wekulo & CIMMYT scien-tist Dr. Yann Manes during germplasm evaluation for stem rust resistance at Kenya Seed Company farm.


� ere is no doubt about it! Customer service is the most

important thing for the specialty retailer to think about -

because it can realistically improve service delivery. Great customer service is such a simple concept, yet a very powerful strategy for success.� e company has implemented a Point of Sale System (POS) in all our branches to improve the turnaround time on customer Service delivery. � is system has been integrated with the Sage Line500 ERP so as to update stocks and cash seamlessly in the ERP system.Il ipsa vel id qui ides voluptam nuscia cus.Solorio dollorere inctas deribusciis suntur? Quid ma dolore prate

New Wheat Stem Rust Race (Ug99) – An Overview by K. Wekulo- Research Department

What Makes Some Retail Businesses So Successful by P. Chemwetich- It Department

A typical wheat � eld

Customers being served using the POS system at the Kitale Seed Shop counter

Technology

Stem rust, (Puccinia graminis) is historically the most feared and widespread wheat disease that has recently re-emerged as the most serious biotic threat to global wheat production following decades of control by genetic resistance. A new race of stem rust was identi� ed in 1999 in Uganda (Ug99) and now threatens 120 million tons, or 20% of the world’s wheat in Central and North Africa, the Middle East and Asia a� ecting a population of more than one billion people. � e best known pandemic of stem rust occurred in 1953-54 in the United States and caused a 40% loss in spring wheat yields that would be worth $1 billion or more today. � is resulted in the estab-lishment of a response system comprising of a robust collaborative international network of wheat improvement

institutions, germplasm sharing, strong human capacity and infrastructure enhancement dedicated to stem rust research and increasing frequency of resistant cultivar releases. As a result, there has been no stem rust disease over the last � ve decades. Unfortunately, over the years this response system has shrunk; consequently, the re- emergence and spread of Ug99.A concerted, global research e� ort to combat Ug99 and other wheat rusts has been established by the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative led by among others, CIMMYT, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Cornell University, FAO and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). More than 20,000 wheat accessions, including major culti-vars, have now been evaluated in Kenya and Ethiopia, and results indicate that as many as 90% of the world’s commercial wheat varieties are susceptible. Fortunately, new resistant high-yielding wheat lines have also been identi� ed and are now undergoing extensive � eld trial testing worldwide with Kenya Seed Company as a key partner.

BRIEF

6 [email protected] July - March 2011 July - March 2011 July - March 2011

Importance of Soil Testing by Alphonce M. Muthama-Research Department

Kenya Seed Company being the leading seed producer in the region has taken a bold step in soil testing by establishing a soil analysis laboratory. � e laboratory will enable our growers determine the nutrient content levels of their soils and therefore condition them to the recommended standard for increased production and savings on costs. How is soil sampling done? Before soil samples are taken, it is

necessary to divide the � eld or farm into zones based on the following criteria:

Past Crop PerformanceSlopeSoil TextureSoil ColourNatural Vegetation

For cost e� ectiveness, it is recommended that one sample be collected in each four acres. ; in each zone obtain a soil core by cutting into the soil to a depth of about

16- 45cm t r a n s f e r into a clean b u c k e t . Repeat this ten to twelve times (10 – 12) within one plot and mix thor-

oughly. Take about half a kilogram of the mixed soil and place it into a carton (paper bag/polythene bag). Label the sample carton giving the � eld or block

designation and soil number with desig-nation “Top” or “Sub” or depth in centim-eters. � is can then be taken to the lab for analysis.

As part of soil corrective action, it is recommended that farmers continually apply organic manures instead of relying on fertilizers since they provide a slow and steady source of nutrients to the plants so as to improve and maintain the quality and structure of the soil.

Crop rotation as a practice helps to control pests and diseases in the soil, maintains soil fertility, soil organic matter level and soil structure. It also ensures that nutri-ents losses are reduced.Crop rotation might sound quite old fash-ioned, but it is actually a much more e� ec-tive and sophisticated system as opposed to relying on chemicals alone.

Please try it out today!

� e Di� erent Types of Wheat by K. Wekulo- Research Department Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivun) accounts for more than 90% of the global wheat production and is grown on substantial scale (over 100,000Ha) in more than 70 countries on 5 continents (Lantican et al, 2005). � e main products include a great variety of leav-ened, unleavened and steamed breads, noodles, cookies, cakes and breakfast cereals.

Most of the varieties produced and marketed by Kenya Seed Company Limited belong to this group, as detailed below:-

KNOW YOUR PRODUCTS

KSC wheat [email protected]

TACTIC

[email protected] 7July - March 2011 July - March 2011 July - March 2011

� e new varieties, soon to hit the shelves, are Njoro BW II, KS Chui, KS Farasi and KS Ndume, respec-tively. � ese are better adapted to both marginal and high potential areas; exhibits good tolerance to foliar diseases and have very good milling and baking qualities.

Wheat � eld

[email protected]

FARMER NEWS


New Members of Staff

Norbert Mwanyalo Has joined the company as Chief O� cer (ICT). He previ-ously worked with the Standard Group of Companies and other organizations in Various Senior capacities.He holds an MBA (Strategic Management) and a Bsc. (Computer Science). He is a CPA (K) holder and a member of ICPAK. He has 15 Years of Working Experience

Lucas Nyangweso

Has joined the Company as Chief Procurement O� cer. He previously worked with Kenya Tourist Board and other organi-zations in di� erent capacities. He holds an MBA, B.Com and a Diploma in Purchasing and Supplies (UK). He is a member of the chartered institute of purchasing and supply and Kenya Institute of Supply Management and has 18 years experience in the � eld of procurement

Sylvia N. Kyeyune

Has been promoted to be the Mt. Elgon Seed Company, General Manager. She previously held the position of marketing and production Manager in the same company. She holds a MSc. in crop science and a Bsc. She has 8 years work experiencev

Erick Tegei

Has joined the Company as Ag. Chief Quality Assurance O� cer. He has previously worked with Biodeal Laboratories and other organizations in di� erent capacities. He holds a Bsc. in Biochemistry and Chemistry. He has 8 years experience in the � eld.

STAFF


he purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal ful� llment. It’s far better than your family, your career or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.

� e search for purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of years. � e most important thing in life is to know who you are and why do you exist. Why are you in this planet world? What’s your purpose/role in this world? Why exist? Because every living thing that exist as a reason and a purpose. Why do you eat? Do you eat to live or you live to eat? Why do you sleep every evening and wake up every morning. Is it because it’s a culture that people do or because it’s necessary? It is said that there are 4 types of people in the world. � ose who watch things happen, those who let things happen, those who just ask what happened and those who make things happen. In this arena of life, each person is meant to ful� ll a unique role.

Again, we know the most important thing in this world is to “love and loved”. Why do you love somebody in life? Is it because other people love others? Why are you called so and so? Why are you working for KSC? What value do you add to this world? If you are able to answer the following questions, then you could know who you are and why you exist. Understanding who you are reduces your stress, simplify your decisions, and increase your satisfaction. � e question is what on earth am I here for?

1. Who are you? Why do you exist?2. Where are you?3. Why are you where you are?4. Where are you from?5. Where are you going?6. How are you going?7. Why are you going where you are going?8. What’s your value in this natural orderly world?9. Are you an accident in this world?10. Do you know personally that you exist in this world?

� e understanding of ten questions just like the 10 command-ments will assist you to know why you are where you are and how valuable or accidentally you are where you are in this world. You are either somebody’s passenger in this world or a driver of your own. Or more important you are an accident or a reason in this world.

Many important people have existed and left this world better than they found. � ey have added value than we have. We are living courtesy of their discoveries. We are what we are because they knew why they existed in this world.� ey realized that the worst tragedy in this world is not death but to live without a purpose/vision.

� e power lies in people who know why they exist in this world. � ey know they are not just a number of the over 7 billion people in the world. � ey know they have a purpose to live. You are not an accident. Your birth was not mistake or mishap, and your life is no � uke of nature.

I know I am not an accident in this world. I don’t exist because people exist. I have a reason to be in this world. And the highest of all the reason why I exist is to serve humanity, because there is joy and glory in serving humanity. Is customer service part of humanity? We have to know that life is a temporary assign-ment. Compared to eternity, life is extremely brief. � e earth is only a temporary residence! Real believers understand that there’s far more to life than just the few years we live on this planet.

It’s not an accident that you are serving humanity in KSC. It is a purpose driven world.

WHO ARE YOU AND WHY DO YOU

EXIST?

T

SOCIETY


Housing Policy (more information by HOD PR)

� e company has entered into an agreement with Kenya Commercial bank to provide Sta� with loans to either purchase, construct complete an existing house or purchase a plot. Interested members may request for further information from the Human Resource Department.

Francis Musau Ndambuki- Research & Development

Manager

Staff Profi le

Educational background BSc (Agriculture), University of NairobiMSc (Plant Breeding), University of NairobiDiploma in maize improvement, CIMMYT, Mexico Certi� cate in Research Methodology, Kansas State University, U.S.A. Certi� cate in Biotechnology, NigeriaDiploma in Drought Tolerance, CIMMYT, MexicoCerti� cate in IPR, KIPO, NairobiCerti� cate in Seed Technology, AFSTA, Kampala Uganda

AchievementsSchool Captain at Alliance High school in 1970 Attended Kings Wood Bath England 1970 on student exchange programDeveloped thirteen (13) Pyrethrum clones (Ref Kenya Gazette Notice No. 32 of May 2002).From 1985 he developed a number of maize varieties including H614D which was released in 1986 as well as H626 which was released in 1989.Guided the development of Oil crops, Pasture, Sorghum and Wheat Research not only in Kenya but in East and Central Africa for Kenya Seed Company in 1993.Awarded the Silver Star award (Kenya Gazette Notice of 31/5/2000 Vol.CII- Notice No. 32) in 2001. Founder Member of Plant Breeders Association of Kenya and was chairman from 2006 to 2009.Developed over 40 maize seed varieties

� e editor had a moment with Mr. Ndambuki, the manager Research and development and this is what he had to say

Q. What valuable lessons have you learnt at Kenya Seed?A. Commitment to work is neces-sary for success.Q. What gives you the greatest pleasure at work?A. Obtaining solutions to scienti� c problems in relation to the seed industryQ. What is your daily driving force?A. � e passion to develop better seed varieties.Q. What are some of the challenges you face at your work place?A. Changing weather patterns, high cost of inputs and high labor turnoverQ. What are your plans for Kenya Seed Company for the next � ve years?A. To ensure adequate supply of Breeders Seed.To leave Kenya Seed Company Limited a better place than I found it.Q. What are the things people don’t know about you?a) Your Favourite dish Muthokoib) Your Hobbies MusicQ. Any words of wisdom?A. Let us keep on keeping on

STAFF


Record Yields with H629 Maize Seed by Wycliff e Muchanji-

Marketing Department

Mr. Waweru harvests over 8000 bags of maize annually from his 200 acre farm. � is averages 40bags per acre. A farming record hardly matched. Mr. Waweru, a soft spoken multilingual farmer attributes his success to his religious

convictions and hard work. His dream of being a successful farmer began in his childhood while working in a white settler farm as a pyrethrum picker and assisting the settler’s son hunt game. His contact with the settlers exposed him to how to manage exotic livestock, farm machinery and large tracts of

land shaped his dream.His � rst business of selling charcoal enabled him purchase his � rst 5acre piece of land in Naivasha in 1965 which he later sold to purchase seven acres at Kimaran, Trans Nzoia district and started planting maize on the farm and on leased land. Currently he has a total of 207 acres of where he grows commercial maize, keeps Friesian dairy cows, bees, co� ee among other activities. To him success is not by sheer luck but through a lot of planning and risk taking.

Mr. Waweru says the secret to successful maize faming is in early land preparation, early planting of certi� ed seed and proper application of recommended chemicals and fertilizers.

His success however isn’t without challenges such as unpredictable commercial maize prices, delayed payments from buyers, � uctuating milk prices as well as the fact farmers are generally not respected in society. He is however grateful for what he has achieved with the help of his family members and encourages farmers to undertake their activities with dedication.

Triza Kamau has no regrets of being a vegetable seed grower with Simlaws Seeds. She began growing seed after a decade of job seeking despite having a degree in B.Ed Home economics. In 2009, a friend introduced her to the contract seed growing business. � ough initially hesitant, she applied and quali� ed to grow Black Night shade and Jews Mallow

to which she received a huge cheque from Simlaw that has enabled her expand her business ventures. Simlaw Seeds a subsidiary of Kenya Seed Company specializes in importing, researching, producing and distributing an assortment of horticultural crops notwithstanding indigenous vegetables. Local seed production has several bene� ts such as seed quality and seed stocks are assured, it creates employ-

ment and thus a major source of income for our farmers.

by Edwin Tarus-Research Department

Vegetable Seed Grower

COVER STORY

Triza Kamau at her farm in Bungoma county, western Kenya

Mr. & Mrs. Waweru at their Kimaran farm in Trans Nzoia County, North Rift Region


Fun at the Workplace by Eng. Geo� rey Chepkwony-Processing Department

Fun means being caught up in things that energize and drive people. Fun at work’ is based on the premise that people are more creative, more productive and more committed to doing their jobs well. Fun at work is a must, not just for the employee’s well being but also for the company’s bottom line .Fun is about feeling good and having all reasons to make one jump out of bed in the morning and go to work. It is fun to know what is expected of you at your workplace, working for a successful organization and knowing how your work contributes to that success and being proud of the same.

‘Fun’ culture’ enables people keep � exible timings, relaxed dress codes equal status across all levels and places less emphasis on chasing talent. Each individual is empowered with the highest responsibility and motivation thus teamwork and good interper-sonal relationships.

� is team spirit has propelled other � rms to the billionaires club. We too can join them.

Make a Friend Today by Mrs. AnnaWamache -

Marketing Department A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. “What food might this contain?” � e mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed this warning: “� ere is a mousetrap in the house! � ere is a mousetrap in the house!” � e chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, “Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be

bothered by it.” � e mouse turned to the pig and told him, “� ere is a mousetrap in the house! � ere is a mousetrap in the house!” � e pig sympathized, but said, “I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers.” � e mouse turned to the cow and said, “� ere is a mousetrap in the house! � ere is a mousetrap in the house!” � e cow said, “Wow, Mr. Mouse. I’m sorry for you, but it’s no skin o� my nose.” So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farm-er’s mousetrap . . . Alone... � at very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. � e farmer’s wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it. It was a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. � e snake bit the farmer’s wife. � e farmer rushed her to the hospital. When she returned home she still had a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup. So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup’s main ingredient: But his wife’s sickness continued. Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. But, alas, the farmer’s wife did not get well... She died.

So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon. And the mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness. So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and you think it doesn’t concern you, Remember --- When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.We are all involved in this journey called life.We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra e� ort to encourage one another.

Remember Each one of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry. Our lives are woven together for a reason.One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a friend. Make one today!!!

SOCIAL

[email protected] July - March 2011 July - March 2011 July - March 2011

BUSINESS STANDARDSKSC ISO Recertifi ed

ISO 9001: 2008

Certi� cation.Kenya Seed Company was awarded ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS) certi-� cation on 1st July 2007 following intensive preparations and docu-mentation as required under the QMS. � e Company was recer-ti� ed on 26th July 2010 after being audited and found to have complied with the standards requirements.

What is ISO certi� cation?International Organization for Standardization (ISO) o� cially

began operations on 23 February 1947. It is a network of the national standards practiced in 148 countries with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.

Operating Principle� e operating principle of ISO's manage-ment system standards is the Plan – Do – Check – Act (PDCA) cycle.

Plan –objectives are established and plans made. � rough plan-ning the company’s situation is analyzed, global and depart-mental objectives established, targets set and plans developed to achieve identi� ed objectives.Do –this guides how plans will be implemented. (Do what you planned to do).Check – measure your results (measure/monitor your actual achievements vis-à-vis set targets).Act – correct and improve your plans and how you put them into practice (correct and learn from your mistakes to improve your plans in order to achieve better results in future).

BENEFITS OF ISO CERTIFICATION

� e Quality Management System certi� cation mark can be used on correspondences, a d v e r t i s i n g and promotional materials.

Employee satisfactionDe� ned roles and responsibilities, accountability of manage-ment, established training systems and a clear picture of how their roles a� ect quality and the overall success of the company, all contribute to sta� satisfaction.

International recognition� e International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is

recognized worldwide as the authority on quality management.Factual approach to decision making� e ISO 9001:2008 QMS standard sets out clear instructions for audits and process reviews that facilitate information gath-ering and decision making based on the data.

Supplier relationships Mutually bene� cial supplier relationships are one of the key attractions to ISO certi� cation. Proper documentation ensures that quality inputs are received in the company. � e process also requires thorough evaluation of new suppliers before a change is made and/or consistency with respect to how and where orders are placed.

Documentation � e ISO QMS standard requires documentation of all processes and any changes, errors and discrepancies. � is ensures consist-ency throughout production and accountability of all sta� . � is also guarantees traceable records are available in case of non-compliant products or raw materials.

Consistency All processes from research and development, to production, to HR, are de� ned, outlined and documented, minimizing room for error. Even the process of making changes to a process is documented, ensuring that changes are well planned and imple-mented in the best possible way to maximize e� ciency.

Customer satisfaction Client con� dence is gained because of the universal acceptance of the ISO standards. Customer satisfaction is ensured because of the bene� ts of e� ciency and consistency.

Improvement processes � e QMS outlines audit processes, management review and improvement processes based on collected data. Improvements are carefully planned and implemented based on facts, using a system of documentation and analysis, to ensure the best deci-sions are made.� e Company’s ISO team is lead by a Management Representative, assisted by a Lead Auditor, eleven internal auditors and thirty coordinators who are all members of sta� .

13

MARKETING


SMART LEADERSHIP� e Eye of a Strategist by Edwin

Kiptarus-Research Department

Being the Preferred supplier of top quality certi-� ed seed in Africa is a be� tting vision for Kenya seed Company. Vision implies the mental representation of strategy, created or at least expressed in the mind of the leader. � e vision serves both as an inspiration and a sense of what needs to be done. A guiding idea for that matter.A strategist will see ahead strategically. But the vision bearer must also see behind because any good vision of the future has to be rooted in an understanding of the past. We look at the failures and challenges of the past to be able to correctly rethink the direction ahead.

Strategic thinking can mean to see above. Can anyone really get the big picture just by seeing above? � e forest looks like a rug from a helicopter but anyone who has taken a walk in the forest knows that it doesn’t look much like that on the ground. Like � nding diamond, strategic thinkers have to � nd the gem of an idea that changes their organization. And that comes from a lot of hard and messy digging. � ere is no big picture ready for the seeing, each strategist has to construct his or her own. � is strategic thinking is also inductive thinking. Seeing above must be supported by seeing below. You can however see ahead by seeing behind and seeing above by seeing below and still not be a strategic thinker. It takes creativity to be one.

A strategic thinker sees di� erently from other people. � ey pick out the precious gem that other miss. � ey challenge connec-tional wisdom- the industry recipe, the traditional strategy- and thereby distinguish their organization. Because creative thinking is also lateral thinking, this could be called seeing besides. � e strategist will also see beyond. Seeing beyond is di� erent from seeing ahead. Seeing ahead foresees an expected future by constructing a framework out of the events of the past – it intuitively forecasts discontinuities. Seeing beyond constructs the future – it invents a world that would not other-wise be.To be complete, the strategist needs to do one more thing if nothing gets done- seeing through. � is enables clearly articu-lated vision of the future that is at once simple, easily under-stood, clearly desirable and energizing. With strategic thinking, companies gain strength above competition.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

How Important Is a Customer by Eliza Jerop-

Administration

C o n t i n u o u s improvement of customer relation-ships is imperative for business devel-opment. It is the businesses of every

company to take outstanding care of customers, to have a philosophy and a methodology of the same for both the internal and external customers. Companies that have mastered customer service are the ones whose customers rave about them. An organization will never go wrong with their customers if the following approaches are part of managing customers.

Be Present Pay 100% attention to the customer. Take personal responsi-bility for the success of the relationship between the customer and you. Primarily your job is to make sure that they will come back and do business with you again.

Be PositiveEvery customer deserves to walk away from an interaction feeling good about doing business with you. Maintaining a positive attitude in every business engagement creates a posi-tive impression as well as a positive state of mind and body for customers.Companies that want to win over and win back customers had better be focused on creating a positive outcome in every interaction.

Be PatientBeing patient with a customer, enables you understand their needs, even when they are not sure about it. Patience means walking them through the process with care and compassion even if it means repeating the process again and again. Patience is required to make sure they know how to use your service or product and use it to their advantage. Patience motivates and inspires customer loyalty and repeat business.

Practice To e� ectively care for a customer is an art that involves learning on a regular basis, incorporating new skills and doing them over

BUSINESS


and over again until we master them. In business, as in other areas of life, practice makes pro� t. � e discipline of returning our thoughts to taking care of our precious customers and creating value for all the people we work with does pay o� handsomely.

As we practice being present really showing up in our work,As we practice being positive making the e� ort to look for the good and refocus our attention, as we practice being patient to be calm in the face of craziness, We will � nd ourselves enjoying work more. We will � nd ourselves enjoying others more and we will � nd that customers prefer doing business with us.

Th e Essence of Time Management by Titus

Ayabei- Hr & Admin Department

Time is a concept that measures duration of events and the period that separates them. It consists of as many activities as they are in life and is the only true scarce resource. � e facts about time is that

Time is a resource that once spent can never be recovered.We all have the same amount of time 24 hour a day or 1440 minutes or 86400 seconds a day. In 365 days we have 8760 hours available to us. With an average life expectancy of 50 years one has 438,000 hours. How much of this time can you say is well spent?

Time is unstoppable unlike other resources. It can never be turned on or o� , it can never be replaced, it has a � tted rate of 60 minutes to the hour. It is for our interest that we manage time optimally.

Time management therefore is an essential quality of self management which basically means self control through controlling one’s activities in life. An individual’s time is constantly under attack by activities around the individual. For instance if you are in employment your seniors and subor-dinates, family, personal activities and friends need your time. You therefore need to e� ectively apportion your time to meet all these demands by identifying and reducing time wasters.

Common time wasters in life Procrastinations� is is a tendency to put of tasks or delay starting them and end up pilling creating unnecessary delays and will in the long run require more time to accomplish postpone work.

Telephone callsTaking too long to make calls or receive and making calls all the time. You only need three minutes to e� ectively pass a message.

Poor or lack of delegation.You cannot handle all responsibilities without assistance. You waste more time doing it alone� e self� e state of individual health, mental state, routines, habit, and attitude have become major time wasters.

Importance of time managementTime is a barometer that measures all changes in life. � e changes make meanings when received from the context of time.It helps distinguish events which have occurred, which are occurring and those which will occur.It instills discipline in people and society in general.

Ways to improve time managementPrioritize and plan your time:Prioritizing time implies having a clear idea of what should be done � rst. � is helps one to avoid forgetting tasks that require attention.Keep a time log: It is important to prepare a to-do list and keep it accessible in the course of the duration.Set attainable goals: Clear attainable goals are those to be achieved within goal dura-tion should be set.

BUSINESS


HEALTHWhy People Take Drugs By

Liz Rerimoi – Corporate

Communications Department

� e path to drug addiction starts with experimentation to either feel good,

make life better, or for curiosity” because others are doing it”. Drug users progress to addiction when reliance to drugs becomes more and more important and the ability to stop is compromised. While each drug of abuse produces di� erent physical e� ects, the bottom line is that all drugs destabilize the brain’s normal “reward” pathways hence a� ecting an individu-al’s self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory, and learning abilities.In the long run, this dependence results in physical, psycholog-ical and behavioral problems which may result in severe with-drawal symptoms or death. Drug abusers often try to conceal the symptoms and downplay their problem. � e following are some of the warning signs of drug abuse:

Physical warning signs of drug abuseBloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.Changes in appetite and sleeping patternsSudden weight loss or weight gain.Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.Unusual smells on breath, body or clothing.Tremors, slurred speech or impaired coordination.

Behavioral signs of drug abuseDrop in attendance and performance at work Unexplained � nancial problems or need for money Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors. Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts and hobbies.Frequently getting into trouble � ghts, accidents and illegal activities.

Psychological warning signs of drug abuseUnexplained change in personality or attitude.Sudden mood swings, irritability or angry outbursts.Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation or giddiness.Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.”Appears fearful, anxious or paranoid with no reason.

Self assessment

*Do you feel like you can’t stop, even if you wanted to?*Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use? *Do you need to use drugs to relax or feel better?

*Do your friends or family members complain or worry about your drug use?*Do you hide or lie about your drug use?*Have you ever done anything illegal in order to obtain drugs?*Do you spend money on drugs that you really can’t a� ord?*Do you ever use more than one recreational drug at a time?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of the

questions, you may have a drug problem. You

may seek help from the following hotline

numbers or visit a recognized Counseling

Psychologist.

NACADA 24hr helpline: 0800720033

Commonly abused drugs 1. Ordinary pain killers/analgesics. leads to damage of the liver , the heart and the kidneys, narcotics- morphine, diaconal, paracetamol, pethidine,betapyn,2. Sedatives-codeine, diazepam, valium3. Stimulants- cocaine, nicotine, khat4. Hallucinogens- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide I), angel dust, and bhang which are either taken orally, through injection and inhalation.5. Alcohol

KSC DEPARTMENTS Procurement ViewKenya Seed Company Limited procurement division has embraced the following vision and mission statement with the aim of actualizing the organization goals and objectives and ensures that it retains its competitive advantage within the

country and beyond.

VisionTo be a model of excellence in public procurement.

Mission StatementTo undertake an e� ective and e� cient supply chain system that provides value for money by ensuring competition,

fairness, transparency and accountability while exploring cost

HEALTH


saving opportunities.

One of the critical tools that procure-ment as a function cannot ignore as an integral part of any procurement activity is negotiation. � rough negotiation an organi-zation can realize the full bene� t of value for money and cost savings, however this must be structured. Negotiation is structured when the following steps are met:-

1. It’s undertaken after the successful bidder has been identi� ed by the tender committee.2. It’s approved by the tender committee.3. Negotiation committee members are duly appointed.4. Negotiation report is adopted by the tender committee and forms part of the records for that procurement.

� e contemporary thinking is that organ-izations stand to gain more through partnering with their suppliers as this is a win- win situation unlike in the past when the relationship was more inclined to being adversarial.

Mandate:To carry out focused research, promote and facilitate production of high yielding, better quality certi� ed seed to farmers and stakeholders, to enhance food su� -ciency which is an indicator of quality people’s lives and a condition for sustain-able economic prosperity.

Tribute to the Late

Dr. J.J. ChumoIt is almost a year since Dr. Jennifer Chumo a plant breeder was a woman of many hats and a darling to many both at a personal and professional level passed on.Dr. Chumo worked tirelessly despite her ill health to ensure the Kenyan farmer was able to access top quality, high yielding

hybrid maize varieties that suited their agro ecological zones.

Daktari worked as a plant breeder for over 32 years. She joined Kenya Seed Company in 1994 and previously worked with KARI. She began her plant breeding work with the Ministry of Agriculture scienti� c research division in 1978, the same year she graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1980, she joined maize research plant breeding sub-section a career she pursued in the rest of her working life. In 1986, she earned her Master’s Degree and PHD in Plant Breeding in 1986 and 1993 respectively.For many years thereon, she worked on maize varietal improvement in the areas of leaf blight, leaf rust, head/common smut, GLS, MSV resistances, respec-tively; stability across environments and other agronomic traits.

She was part of the team of re-known maize researchers that did extensive research and bred the popular H614D which was offi cially released

in 1986. Her scienti� c milestones are exempli-� ed by her multiple publications which included:

1. Chumo, J. J, P. Tyagi, and P. M. Kimani. 1986. Diallel Analysis of Bare Tip, Husk Leaf Number, and Other Agronomic Traits in Maize. � esis submitted for the award of M.Sc. In plant breeding, university of Nairobi.

2. Mwania, N.M., M.E. Omunyin,

J.J. Chumo, C.N. Muriithi, and R.L. Milikau. 1989. Cereal/Legume Intercropping Research in Kenya. Research Methods for Cereal/ Legume intercropping Proceedings of a work-shop in Eastern and Southern Africa held in Lilongwe, Malawi.

3. Chumo, J.J., J.A.W. Ochieng, K. Njoroge, and W. A. Compton. 1989. Pedigree Selection: a new Dimension in Kenya’s Applied Maize Improvement Program. � e 3rd CIMMYT Regional maize workshop of eastern and southern Africa held in Nairobi, Kenya September 18-22

4. Chumo, J. J., L. L. Darrah, 1993. Direct and Correlated Response to Divergent Selection for Rind Penetrometer Resistance in MoSCSS maize synthetic. Dissertation submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy at the University of Missouri, U.S.A.

5. Ombakho, G., Ligeyo. D, J. Chumo. 1996. � e in uence of stability and adaptability to small-holder farm-er’s preference for a maize cultivar. CIMMYT Maize Productivity Gains through Research and Technology Dissemination. Proceedings of the Fifth Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Maize Conference held in Arusha, Tanzania in June 1996

6. Chumo, J.J., L.L. Darrah, D.A. Sleper. 1996. Direct and Correlated Responses of Bidirectional Selection for Rind Penetrometer Resistance in Maize. Proceedings of the 5th KARI Scienti� c Conference October, 1996

7. Chumo J.J. 1997. Screening for head and common smut resistance in maize. African crop Science Vol. 3:939-942

Dr. Chumo was awarded many commen-dations, for example, founder member certi� cate by Plant Breeders’ Association of Kenya; and certi� cate of achieve-ment by the Ministry of Industry, Kenya Industrial Property O� ce.

TRIBUTE


LEISUREMeditation of the Month.“You cannot tell the exact moment night becomes Day but you can tell when it is day”.By Zumax Ochuka, Kakamega.

CODEWORDEach number in the codeword grid represents a di� erent letter of the alphabet. For example 1 represents Y; therefore every time the � gure 1 appears � ll Y. you have 3 letters in the control grid to start you o� . Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go into the missing squares. As you get the letters, � ll in the other squares with same number in the main grid and in the control grid. Check of the the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

SUDOKUIn this game every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order, every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order and every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9. Please � ll all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Enjoy!

LEISURE

The editor welcomes articles from employees on subjects of interest.

News Letters - Kenya Seed Company

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