First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has advocated for increased investment in Africa's reproductive, maternal, adolescent and child health systems noting that private-public partnerships were a viable option for raising resources to support the sector.

The First Lady rallied global financiers to back Africa's weak maternal and child health systems which she said were overstretched by societal challenges such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gender Based Violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

"Through private-public partnerships and collective investments, we are urged to deepen our work around reproductive maternal, adolescent and child health," the First Lady said.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta spoke through a recorded video message on Thursday at the 7th Africa Health Business Symposium held at a Nairobi hotel.

At the event, also addressed by Health PS Susan Mochache, the First Lady said Africa was capable of ending its high maternal and child mortality if the sector is adequately resourced.

“We must be steeled by the possibility that we can achieve zero maternal and child deaths by devoting necessary expertise and resources,” she said.

Using the example of her Beyond Zero initiative, the First Lady said the organization leverages on partnerships to deliver transformative health interventions.

“This symposium also highlights the growing importance of collaboration and partnerships. The model of my Beyond Zero Initiative is built on this same idea. It has been the defining principle, and contributor to the success of our work," she said.

Through partnerships and fundraising platforms such as the Beyond Zero marathon, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said her organization was able to pool adequate resources for the supply of mobile medical clinics to all of Kenya's 47 counties.

In addition to the mobile clinics, the First Lady said Beyond Zero had rolled out the medical safari initiative so as to enhance access to health services by vulnerable communities in support of Kenya's universal health coverage agenda.

“More recently, we have expanded our focus to respond to unmet health needs through the Beyond Zero Medical Safaris. This program has contributed to strengthening our national resolve towards universal healthcare by enhancing the capacity of our health systems,” the First Lady said.

On Africa's rising cancer disease burden, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta called for increased screening of cervical and breast cancers saying the two variants had the highest mortality rates on the continent.

“As we celebrate our work, we are, however, reminded that more needs to be done; especially around screening and detection of cancers, specifically cervical and breast cancers. These remain a growing concern with high mortality rates in our region,” she said.

The First Lady also spoke about Covid-19 saying the pandemic had overstretched Africa's health infrastructure and called for the strengthening of the continent's fragile health systems.

“This forum convenes at a time when we face the risk of reversing our hard-won gains against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has tried and tested our health systems and further demonstrated the urgency of ensuring health and economic equity, especially for our women. The pandemic has called for innovative approaches to build resilient health systems,” she said.

In her remarks, Health PS Susan Mochache, who represented CS Mutahi Kagwe, congratulated the First Lady for her total devotion to the wellbeing and health of Kenyan women, girls and children.

She reiterated the First Lady's call for health stakeholders to forge strong partnerships so as to be able to raise adequate resources for investment in maternal health.

The continental meeting was attended by health ministers from Nigeria, Uganda, and Somalia as well as representatives of various international organizations among them WHO's Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti.

Kenyan artists now have all the reasons to smile after members of Parliament on Wednesday passed the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

This means artiste will now get the lion's share of revenue generated from their ring-back tones.

The Bill sponsored by Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga provides that the artiste get 52 per cent of revenue generated from their ring-back tones.

This means that for Sh1.50 payment per day for Skiza tune, the artists will pocket Sh0.92 being a sum of Sh0.78 being 52 per cent artist share and Sh0.14 being 9 per cent of the exercise benefit to the artist.

Telecommunication companies and KRA will each pocket 16% of the Skiza revenue while PRSPs will pocket 9% of the revenue.

currently, artistes receive only 16 per cent of the revenue generated from their Skiza tune. 25 per cent goes go to KRA and 51 per cent retained by the telecommunication company.

The bill is now waiting to be signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has broken his silence over the Sunday scuffle between him and Nassir at the Tononoka grounds during the Azimio La Umoja Party.

Mohamed says there is no bad blood between him and Nassir despite a section of political leaders from Mombasa expressing displeasure with the conduct of Junet Mohamed.

“Abdulswamand Nassir and I are deeply cordial, ignore desperate rumours. Team Azimio is strong,” said Junet Mohamed through a post in his face book account.

This is after a viral video emerged on Tuesday showing angry moments of Mombasa governor Aspirant Abdulswamand Nassir during the Azimio La Umoja Rally at the Tononoka grounds in Mvita Mombasa on Sunday.

The angered Nassir who was the host Mp was captured exchanging what looks like insensitive words with Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, prompting Suna East Mp Junet Mohamed Intervention.

It is reported that the Orange Democratic Movement ODM supporters protested Nassir, who was the host Mp from emceeing the rally, prompting his to cut short the speech and return to his seat as Junet took over the emceeing job.

Hell broke loose when Nassir held the microphone to invite aspirants, and even before the first aspirant, Said Abdalla,a cousin to governor Hassan Joho  made his way to the podium the charged crowd humiliated Nassir by hurling  stones at him.

The bitter Nassir, who expected to enjoy cheers and jeers from his home turf supporters, was shocked to receive the unfamiliar reception. Nassir is set to square it out with his rival, Suleiman Shahbal in the ODM primaries.

Both Nassir and Junet Mohamed were on Wednesday seen posing for a photo at Junet's office in Nairobi, after lengthy discussions on what Junet termed as matters related to the Azimio La Umoja unity clarion.

 “Last few days has seen so much rubbish said about me from a digitally manipulated video. In Tononoka,we drove together in the same vehicle to the venue and left together,” said  Mohamed.

On Tuesday, In response to allegations made by the former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar Senator, the Suna East Mp took to his Twitter to respond and defended his academic record.

"You know very well I went to Lenana and you left ahead of me.. but two things never happened... One of them is that I didn't get a D," he said.

Former Senator Omar had released a video castigating Junet and claiming that he failed in his KCSE exams.

Omar was reacting to a scuffle where Mvita MP Nassir Abdullswamad Sheriff was pelted with stones at a Mombasa rally held at Tononoka grounds where the ODM leader Raila Odinga was present.

The Travellers Beach Hotel Mombasa has been voted the best Hotel and Spa in the World Luxury Hotel and Spar Awards 2021.

The hotel beat over 20,000 other hotels to emerge the best in Africa after garnering majority of the votes to top the continent.

Addressing the media Wednesday afternoon, the Hotel general manager Hillary Siele said that the awards was a testament of the commitment they put to stay afloat amidst the pandemic that highly affected the Tourism industry.

Siele said that they had gone along way in terms of training and executing services to their clients, service recovery among other strategies

"We won the award well deserved through teamwork of members, Board of directors, guests and members of the public too to top the chart as an all inclusive hotel in Africa and the best spar," said Siele. 

He said that this was an assurance to their clients that their services stand tall and strong and that they will never compromise on their services.

He added that it was a mileage for the region and country at large that coast is an international tourist destination.

"The challenge In front of us now is consistency to maintain the award, I know with the team around we can do it," he said.

He stated that the pandemic adversely affected them but they managed to bounce back with things picking up slowly.

He added that they were in the process of making full recovery as hotels which were hard hit had to downscale in terms of workforce in order to remain afloat.

"This is a good indicator that we are headed towards the right direction, we are rolling out our holiday packages and are fully prepared in terms of programs and cuisines to tap into the school and Easter holidays, " he said.

In terms of bookings, the hotel has recorded about 50 to 60 percent with hopes of getting fully booked during the Easter holidays remaining high.

For 'Stock' a German tourist as he is popularly known by the hotel staff who has been a regular guest for the hotel said that the award is prove that the tourism industry in Kenya continues to dazzle the international market.

"I come here twice every year with my family and I'm very happy with service and the warm reception I always receive. It is a simple principal, gift the guests what they want and they will come back," he said.

He added that Kenya had an amazing coast line with white sandy beaches adding that he is always fascinated with the wildlife.

He added that the fact that hotel workers were vaccinated against the covid-19 virus gave confidence to more international tourists to visit the region and country at large. 

Congratulations are in order for Nnamdi Okafor, who has just been announced by entertainment company, Sony Music, as the new lead for the role of Digital Services and Partner Management operations covering all of Africa.

Nnamdi joined Sony Music Entertainment in 2019 under the role of Digital Specialist covering West Africa. He was responsible for managing key digital accounts (like Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube, TikTok), developing content strategies and managing CRM campaigns for local and international artists.

Having demonstrated impressive tact and skillful deployment of creative strategies in handling brands and product campaigns, he had the much-needed edge to advance over a pool of candidates vying for the new position.

In under 18 months of working with Sony Music, Nnamdi’s contributions have been astounding as they are valuable too.

He has impacted significantly on growing verticals of the business, increasing their market share, breaking multiple music talents globally including top selling artists like Gyakie, Ruger, Lojay, Mayorkun, T-Classic, Davido, King Promise and Wizkid as well as contributing to international campaigns for Lil Nas X, Beyonce, Elevation Worship, Adele, BTS and Doja Cat to mention a few.

He has worked very closely with DSPs and UGC partners to participate and manage the launch of several campaigns including Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio for their flagship episode which featured KDDO (Kiddominant), Gyakie as the pioneer Africa cover star for Spotify’s EQUAL campaign, Ruger’s Dior TikTok campaign, Boomplay’s For Your Ears Only FYEO and YouTube Shorts launch.

Expressing great delight over Nnamdi’s promotional feat, General Manager for West Africa, Oluwaseun Lloyd said  “In every business today, you must have a thriving technological department. Here at Sony Music WA our business is strictly digital and we found a great candidate in Nnamdi Okafor to lead the digital department with his skill and passion. We wish him all the best in his new role as he takes us to greater heights.”

Still full of commendation for Nnamdi, Taponeswa Mavunga who is the Director of Africa at Sony Music’s UK office and has worked with Nnamdi on numerous artistes roll-out and launch campaigns said; “Nnamdi is a hands-on executive and his reputation in the digital space is exemplary. He is also a genuine music man with incredible relationships across the board. These qualities make him perfect for this new role and I’m excited for this next chapter."

Nnamdi was also presented with a Recognition Master award by the MD of SMEA at the end of year event in South Africa and has promised to not relent his efforts in delivering with astounding strides.

Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi has declared his support for businessman Suleiman Shahbal as the next governor of Mombasa county.

According to Mwinyi his decision to support Shahbal is irreversible and based on his (Shahbal) qualities.

Speaking during an Azimio rally in Kwale, Mwinyi said Shahbal is the right individual to take over from Hassan Joho as the next Mombasa county boss.

" I believe Shahbal has the qualities and best plans to take our county, Mombasa forward. I don't support him blindly, I know what he is capable of " said Omar amid cheers from the crowd.

Adding " This seat deserves someone who is matured and not one who is just full of dramas , pride and theatrics."

Mwinyi is the only elected Mp from ODM party who has come out to declare support for Suleiman Shahbal.

Others who are Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Mishi Mboko ( Likoni) have declared their support for Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir who is also eyeing the seat.

A supremacy battle between the two main rivals Nassir and Shahbal played out on Sunday during the Azimio la umoja rally in Tononoka where supporters of the two camps engaged in a fight as the ODM party leader Raila Odinga watched.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2702-raila-moves-to-assure-fair-nomination-as-shahbal-and-nassir-supporters-clash-in-azimio-la-umoja-rally-in-tononoka

Nassir and Shahbal will battle out for the ODM party ticket during the party primaries.

Hot on the heels of his recent global collaboration deal with Italian luxury auto manufacturer Maserati, Olakira releases his latest single 'Fall'.

This is an expression of total commitment to LOVE. 

Produced by the seasoned multi-instrumentalist himself, Olakira dares to reveal a creatively vulnerable side to him in 'Fall', which takes the form of a slow, highlife sound with drizzles of Afrobeats.

In a love song that talks about reassurance and dedication to one's love, Olakira harnesses rich African sounds to create this original sound that's full of rich melodies.

'Fall' is a testimony to the slower groovy sound that boasts of rhythms from the west of the continent — slow, sweet, and sensual.

The internationally recognized singer and producer who has a huge following in Europe, Nigeria, East and Southern African countries, has managed to stay rooted in that element where confidence meets creative direction and delivery, positioning him to be one of the outstanding African Musicians who continues to shape the new Africa sound.

Listen to 'Fall' by Olakira HERE and on all digital platforms 

https://empawaafrica.lnk.to/OlakiraFall

The entertainment industry in Kenya has yet again been thrown into mourning following  the death of Popular actress Rehema Rajab who died on Sunday Night.

The late Rehema used to play mama Jinale on the popular Tv series, Pete, hosting the mermaids.

The news of her death was announced on Monday by her colleagues who eulogized her as a talented actor who had mastered her prowess.

“It is with great grief and sorrow that I got to learn the death of one of our actors,Rehema Rajab,who I happened to work within our recent Maisha Magic Last project ‘Pete’,As CEO of AR films and producer of Pete,I am deeply broken and sorrowed,” said Daud Anguka AR film production CEO.

She was also praised her for helping grow acting talents. It was reported that the latter succumbed to pressure and diabetes disease. She was laid to rest on Monday afternoon, in Likoni.

“Inna Lillahi Wa Ina Illayhi Rajiun,,we had plans for our upcoming project but Allah had better plans for you..we will truly Miss you ‘Bi Salama.” wrote Citizen Tv journalist Lulu Hassan on her instagram page.

Both Lulu and her husband Rashid Abdalla expressed their sadness to the fallen actress praising her for the exemplary work she did in latest’s projects she took part in.

#sisemikitu Nenda salama Bi Salama. Mola akailaze roho yako pema salama Bi Salama. Kwa pigo hili hakika hujatuacha salama Bi Salama lakini tunashukuru uwepo wako na mchango wako katika uhai wako." posted Rashid Abdallah

Her death comes just a few days after that of Savalas Otieno who played Telly the mermaid hunter. He died on February 5 and was laid to rest over the weekend at their home in Siaya county.

Last year, the Pete cast crew also lost another member, Gillie Owino popularly known as Mzee Siri.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2192-veteran-mombasa-based-actor-gillie-mzee-msiri-is-dead

Chaos broke out at the Azimio La Umoja Rally in Tononoka grounds on Sunday when supporters of Mombasa governor Aspirants Abdulswamand Nassir and Suleiman Shahbal clashed in a show of might.

The duo who are set to square it out for the Orange Party nominations ODM ,have escalated their rivalry that has attracted the attention of top party leadership.

It took the intervention of Mombasa governor Hassan Joho who intelligently asked both supporters to stop their rivalry, for the respect of ODM party Raila Odinga who was present during the Chaos.

Chaos started when several aspirants in Mombasa were making their speeches.

Joho expressed his disappointment by the level of division brought about by the two leaders' supporters exhibited in the presence of the party leader Raila Odinga.

“This is a meeting of Raila Odinga, let's respect that,” said Joho as the supporters of the two candidates threw stones, empty water bottles and sticks against one another at the Tononoka grounds.

The angered Joho grabbed a microphone from Shahbal and asked both Nassir and Shahbal to sit at their respective seats while he continued to rally the group of youth to calm down.

Shahbal was seen begging the youth not to disrupt the Raila Odinga rally saying he is a peaceful person who would not allow chaos to disrupt Odinga rally.

“I urge you please, this rally is for Odinga, don’t disrupt it, we are united as Mombasa people.” said Shahbal before his microphone was grabbed by governor Hassan Joho. Joho could be seen identifying the youth by names saying he knew their homes.

ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna was forced to read the riots act to the aspirants threatening to disqualify aspirants who promote violence and hatred.

"I'm here with my pen and paper just taking notes of what is going on. Some of you will come to my office seeking clearance to vie through our party, I will remind you of what you did at Baba's rally. You will have yourself to blame" said Sifuna.

Odinga who later moved in to quell the tension assured both candidates that the party will conduct a free, fair and transparent nomination in the party primaries.

Odinga cautioned the leaders against inciting their supporters, saying the electorates will suffer if the two leaders continue to exhibit their supremacy in public.

“They say when two oxes fight, the grass suffers most, and we don’t want grass to suffer most, we want this nomination to be friendly, there is no need for chaos, these two are friends, one will pass the other will fail and support each other.” said Odinga.

 “All of them are our party members and we don’t what to see war between two party candidates.” assured Odinga while holding Nassir and Shahbal hands high to show friendliness.