Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nasir has called on members of the Mombasa county assembly to make laws that will help generate more revenue for the county.

Nassir said for the county to tackle the level of unemployment,it needs to generate more revenues so as to employ more youth in the county employment program dubbed Mombasa Yangu.

"I can't employ youth unless there are laws that will help generate more revenue,we tell you the MCAs to make laws that will help the county and ensure more revenue is generated to employ more youth,"said Nasir.

The governor defended the Mombasa Yangu,that has employed young people in the initiative sponsored by the county government to keep Mombasa clean.

"Make laws that will be there to cater for the majority poor and not the minority rich,"said Nassir as he told off some MCAs who had begun politicizing it.

The governor said he will not sit to watch someone discredit the program he started days after swearing in as the second governor.

"I don't want to be dictated by someone about what to do about the project,am the one who I initiated it and therefore we know i know it's benefits,and I will employ the young people in this program without being coarced or pushed by someone,"said Nassir.

Adding "And I want to tell the MCAs that don't be carried away,you are younger than me in both age and politics,I beseage you to look for what is right for the poor without being influenced,"said infuriated Nasir while defending the recent plan to reduce PSV fees.

On his part, Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib asked Nassir to employ youth in the program to tackle what he termed as serious unemployment levels.The jomvu Mp further cautioned the young people to avoid indulging on social vices like crime.

"Since COVID 19 came,the level of unemployment has doubled,we apploud the governor for the initiative but we ask him to ensure more young people are employed on permanent and pensionable,"said Twalib.

They say the memories we make with our family is everything. With family being one of nature's masterpieces, Kisumu-based award-winning musician, Gabiro Mtu Necessary has seen it fit to join hands with fellow hometown musicians to work on a new song.

Gabiro is indisputably the most sought-after musician from the lakeside city of Kisumu, from having been considered twice for a Grammy nomination to having his debut album hit over 2 million streams on Boomplay.

His diversity has seen him transition from being a rapper to an online sensation known for his funny Luo skits and freestyles on Tiktok where he has managed to build a solid and interactive fan base.

Mtu Necessary as he is famously known, is steadily building a reputation as Kisumu’s best lyricist but also shares his personal struggles through his art.

From working as a matatu tout to battling drug abuse, Gabiro’s ability to tell stories separates him from rap music’s status quo.

While many rappers tell us their stories, Gabiro possesses the ability to bring you into his world and show it to you.

He features four Kisumu-based musicians on his latest release “Family” which he clearly states is not an anthem, it is a song. A song about family and its substantial value to oneself and society at large.

All the artists come out strong and worthy of time with their lyrics and flow and it is clearly evident that they all understood the assignment.

Featured artists are Venna who is a young female singer with a sassy and mellow voice, Blakangel who also adds up as the producer of this brilliant masterpiece, Just Ken who introduces the song with a rap verse before Gabiro Mtu Necessary joins in with a quote and tight-lipped verse and finally comes Kamwana who ensures that nothing is left to waste.

Watch “Family” by Gabiro Mtu Necessary featuring Venna, Just Ken, Blakangel and Kamwana below:

https://youtu.be/wOkpIDdLqgY

It's a dark day for the staff of  Mombasa based Islamic radio station, Radio Rahma as the station owners shut down the news department, firing all news staff.

The station owned by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has been struggling financially in recent years.

In a letter dated August 9 addressed to all staff, the station CEO Nasra Abdulswamad declared the news staff redundant giving them a 30 day notice.

"The last couple of years have been bundled with huge financial challenges. As a result we have had to take tough task of strategizing and downscaling our operations. With a heavy heart and as communicated on 8th August 2023 at the consultative meeting held at Istiqama Group of Schools, we have had to make sorry decisions of doing away with the news department. It is our considered view that going forward we need to reduce the wage bill before the whole ship comes sinking on us. In the light of the same, we have made the painful decision of declaring redundant the News team in its entirely." reads part of the letter seen by this blog.

Adding “Please take note that this notice serves as a the 1-month advance notice , and any employee in the afore mentioned list shall be deemed not an employee of Rahma Broadcasting Limited at the close of 30 days” 

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/3138-is-this-the-end-of-radio-rahma

The station management has also been forced to do away with some of the programs including Swabahal- Kheir, Ulimwengu wa Wanawake and Rahma Drive.

The letter further states "We do not currently require you to work for us during your notice period. However you should remain available for work in case this changes. You are entitled to take a reasonable amount of paid time off work to look for alternative employment and attend job interviews. Before taking any such time off, you should get your managers agreement."

Those affected included top radio presenters and reporters that have served the station for many years.

They include:

1.Ruth Keah – Chief editor.

2. Athuman Luchi –  Online editor in charge of the company website and podcast.

3. Nuru Mwalimu – Business News Editor.

4. Baya Kitsao – Reporter, Kilifi County.

5. Mwanaharusi Rashid – Reporter, Kwale County.

6. Abdalla Mwanyiro – Reporter,   Lamu county.

7. Mkalla Seif – Reporter Mombasa county.

Other presenters and producers affected include

Ali Mwalim-Programs controller

Saumu Ali – Presenter

Rose – Producer

Saumu Ali – Producer

Mariam Juma among others.

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has sponsored a speciall bill in Senate that seeks to protect pregnant children and child parents.

The bill, the care and protection of child parents bill 2023 aims at protecting the rights of pregnant children and additionally ensuring that needy child parents and their caretakers receive assistance from the National and County Governments so as to enable them return to school after delivering.

Miraj argues that despite earlier interventions by authorities to address challenges that pregnant children and child parents go through, no significant results have been recorded.

The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has intensified the crackdown on drug abuse in Mombasa and Coast at large..

On Tuesday, NACADA acting Chief executive officer Prof. John Muteti said a multi-sectoral team has been deployed to Mombasa to probe the use of Fentanyl by drug users in the county.

According to the authority many injecting drug users in the Coast and Mombasa to be specific are now engaging in multiple drug use, and a possibility of Fentanyl abuse may be rife.

“We have a multi-sectoral team which has been on the ground for some time collecting samples, which we intend to take for analysis at the government chemistry department, and we will produce a report in the next 14 days, we shall communicate the report to the country,” said Muteti.

Although there is no conclusive proof to point out the drug use  in the county, NACADA wants to ensure the drug is not among those currently abused by users.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic.

It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

An overdose of the highly potent opioid can lead to an almost instant death.

The crackdown according to Muteti was informed by the recent viral video suspected to be from the Kenyan Coast which went viral on social media showing a group of drug users intoxicated.

“We have seen some videos circuiting around showing people in bad state of intoxication, we are here to find out what substance they must have consumed, it’s not clear where this videos came from, it’s not clear whether they are from Kenya or which country, but this has forced us to take samples of other drugs to see whether it’s a case of multiple drugs use,” said Muteti.

The Drug authority is now throwing a caution to the public to report cases of multiple drug use to authorities.

Reach out Trust center chief executive officer Taib Abdurahman said the problem of polydrugs is rampant at the Mombasa.

“We have seen incidents of polydrugs, that’s why we are embarking on this investigation to establish which drugs they use, we don’t want to speculate because a report must be informed by findings,” said Taib.

The multi-agency team comprises the Government Chemist, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Mombasa based Community Based Organizations and officers of the National Government Administration (NGAO).

Players say this may have been attributed to the shocking shortage of Heroin in the market, a possibility that may plunge many drug users to indulge in poly drug use to satisfy their anxiety.

While addressing a joint media briefing MEWA hospital advocacy officer Hussein Taib alleged that the situation has become evident following a sharp rise of the price of the Heroin drug from sh 200 to sh 400 per sachet.

"We are currently experiencing shortage of Heroin, there is a crisis actually because the product has become too expensive and this may result in those who depend on it getting involved in poly drug use here at the coast,” said Husein.

Hussein said so far there is no evidence to prove whether the drug is in the country,but a threat of multiple drug use by users has become rampant in Mombasa.

"Let's not wait until this drug get into our neighbourhoods,we also ask government agencies and customs to be alert and ensure this new drug does not become a threat by finding a space into the market,"said Hussein.

The Kenya WhatsApp Impact recognition awards 2023 has been launched in Mombasa.

The awards targets to honour unsung heroes who embrace WhatsApp connectivity to their social economic advantage in the country.

The launch of the awards will be succeeded by a training where youth will be taken through to learn how to use WhatsApp for Business to engage more with their audiences and drive better customer support outcomes that drive more sales. 

The awards are supported by Swahili Pot Hub, Kayana Create Kenya, and 4gotten bottom Millions (4BM) organization, Kenya’slargest and most trusted digital distributor who have been empowering African youth access opportunities since 2016.

Swahili Pot hub founder Mahmoud Noor asked youth to take advantage of digital technology to earn a living. He said the cooperation will create a mentorship avenue for the youth to earn a living.

“They will be holding awards to recognize those who are creating an impact on the ground through the use of technology, “said Noor

Adding “We are targeting to show youth how they can benefit from technological innovations to empower themselves economically. The event is through partnership with over 100 exhibitors, Kenyan government and global partners."

Kayana founder Patricial Okelo said the plan is to promote business innovations and entrepreneurs especially that target WhatsApp as their marketing platform.

Kayana is a community of female entrepreneurs of abundance that come together to move their businesses from ideation to start up.

Through initiatives such as Forgotten Bottom Millions (4BM) marginalized people have been able to access social-economic opportunities.

Babra Tarragon,4BM innovation officer said youth from remote areas can be recognized through the use of technology.

“We want to reach to everyone, even those that are in the grassroots, that’s why we are launching this award targeting the forgotten millions in the bottom of the pyramid,” said Tarragon.

Today the 4BM network runs primarily on WhatsApp with more than 100 affiliated groups each with a minimum of 100 members.

4BM now spans 47 counties with WhatsApp as the primary vehicle to get information to the Forgotten Bottom Millions.

WhatsApp was officially launched in November 2009 as a chat app service for iOS. Today, WhatsApp is reported to have more than 2 billion monthly active users globally and is ranked among the most popular mobile messenger apps in the world.

Based on GlobalWebIndex data, the WhatsApp worldwide user base consists of 46.1 per cent female users and 53.9 per cent male users

Legendary Tanzanian Hip-hop rapper, Joh Makini has released a new single titled “Bobea” - to feature in his upcoming album set for release in December. 

Known for his skillful use of metaphors, word play and freestyle prowess, Joh Makini boasts as the writer and executive producer for “Bobea”. 

Mixed and mastered by Chizan Brain, the single carries indigenous fusion of Afrobeats and Bongo across Hip-hop lyrics.

 With “Bobea”, Joh Makini encourages mutual acceptance and tolerance in romantic relationships to sustain love.

This project follows the recent release of his 2023 EP ‘Wave’.

Joh Makini is now gearing to release “Bobea” music video and visit Kenya in September on a media tour cum meet-and-greet with his fans.

Ahead of his trip, Joh Makini says “I anticipate being in touch with fans to share the growth I’ve had as a person, brand and recording Hip Hop artist. I have profound affection for my fans and I’m committed to continue sharing with them timeless music into the future.”

Born and raised in Arusha, Joh Makini began his music career in the early 2000’s and has since remained a true inspiration to upcoming rappers.

Initially, he embarked on his music journey with nothing but a dream. Despite facing the challenge of choosing the demanding genre of Bongo Hip-hop, he now stands as the sole rapper receiving international acclaim through endorsements, collaborations, and nominations for prestigious awards.

https://bfan.link/bobea

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has received for new Ship to Shore Cranes (STSs) at the Port of Mombasa.

The new four new generation cranes which are replacing the recently decommissioned cranes arrived at the Mombasa port on Monday morning.

They have capacity for twin lift as opposed to the old generation single lift.

The cranes were delivered by special crane carrier MV ZHEN HUA 35

"The equipment acquisition and modernization is part of KPA's plans as it flexes it's muscles in regional Port competition." reads a statement from KPA.

KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto says this will double berth productivity and reduce ship working time at berth by nearly 40 percent.

 The cranes Christine's  STS 1603,STS 1604,STS 1605 and STS 1606 will be discharged at berth No.16

Early this year The Kenya Ports Authority-KPA has purchased five Harbor Mobile Cranes-HMCs worth Over Sh.3.7 billion shillings for the Lamu and Mombasa ports in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency at the two ports.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/business/item/3320-kpa-acquires-new-modern-cranes-to-boost-efficiency-at-mombasa-lamu-ports

All the cranes have a lifting capacity of 100 tonnes, a specification which will enable the port’s capability to handle larger cargo vessels.

Mombasa County ODM leaders have threatened to go back to the streets and lead the anti-government protests if the planned bi-partisan talks between the opposition and Kenya Kwanza fail.

Speaking in Bomu Stadium, Changamwe, the leaders said they are keenly watching how the talks will go and the willingness by the Kenya Kwanza government to address they (Azimio) have raised.

Mombasa Women Representative Zamzam Mohammed called on Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga to remain steadfast arguing that Kenyans are depending on him to help them against the current high cost of living facing the country.

"Kenyans are suffering, Kenyans are complaining everywhere because of the high cost of living, Raila Odinga is our only saviour, he has fought so hard before and we believe this time he will also do the same for Kenyans" she said.

Adding" If the Kenya Kwanza side will not be serious with the talks and it fails, we are ready to go back to the streets and demonstrate."

Zamzam called on Deputy President to Rigathi Gachagua to stay away from the planned talks saying he is likely to contribute to the failure of the talks.

"To Gachagua, Kenyans only voted Ruto and Raila and not you so just stay away from this talks. We don't want you to intefere with the talks, let the two gentlemen decide" argued Zamzam

On her part Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko said the Azimio side will stick to it's initial agenda of the high cost of living.

"No one should decide for the other side, let everyone come to the table with their agenda. As Azimio, our irreducible minimum is the high cost of living" said Mboko.

The Azimio side is led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka while the Kenya Kwanza side by the National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.

Speaking at the same event, Chanagmwe Mp Omar Mwinyi cautioned Kenya Kwanza leaders against what he termed as 'reckless' words saying they are likely to affect the talks.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/3382-behave-as-a-statesman-mp-mwinyi-tells-ruto

On Saturday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga stated that he will direct his supporters to take to the streets next month in protest if the talks fail.

"Nimesema sisi kama wana-Azimio, tuko tayari kuongea, tutaongea na tunapatia wale jamaa siku thelathini kuongea. Baada ya siku thelathini kama jamaa bado amekaa ngumu ntatoa amri ingine. Lakini tumepea tume ambayo inaongezwa na Kalonzo Musyoka nafasi ya kuongea na wale kutoka ile ng'ambo ingine," he said.

Adding ""Tunanongea bila masharti; wao vile vile wasitoe masharti kwetu. Lakini wasipokuwa tayari kuongea na kukubaliana na sisi vile tunataka tunasema baada ya siku 30 Wakenya watachukua hatua tofauti."

A section of Mijikenda elders has come out to laud Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director William Ruto for the 'good' work he is doing at the authority.

The elders noted that the work by Ruto has boosted morale and motivation for KPA workers.

Addressing members of the press in Mombasa the elders led by Patrick Mangale noted that KPA has made great improvement in terms of service delivery since Ruto took over the position of the MD.

"Since his appointment in March 2023, the port has been experiencing a spate of high moves in TEUS and one of the latest being the fastest handling of MV Lana with 1548 containers within a shift of 8 hours " said Mangale.

Adding " Within a short while in office captain Ruto has demonstrated his ability , competence and hard work to improve and expand the port to create more jobs for the youths who are languishing in joblessness. Already he is busy fast tracking the upgrade of Shimoni fish port, the completion of Dongo Kundu and full operationalization of the Kisumu and Lamu ports."

The elders also took issue with what they term rumours circulating that members of the community are against the MD.

Mangale charged "We express our full and unwavering support for him (Ruto) and call upon our leaders to the same and stop playing tribal politics, those rumours doing rounds are not true. KPA is a public asset where every Kenyan irrespective of their tribe qualifies to be appointed as MD as long as they meet the criteria and standards as set out by the appointing authority"

On his part another elder Ali Bege, accused those spreading the rumours and a section of politicians of being selfish.

"We need to stand united. Let us avoid people who want to separate us just because of their selfish reasons. Those spreading the rumours are selfish and have their own hidden agenda" said Bege.

Adding " If things improve at the port as they have currently it is our sons and daughters who benefit but if we continue with fights then we are the ones to suffer so let us be careful."

The elders further lauded president William Ruto for appointing former Kinango Mp Benjamin Tayari as the KPA Board Chairman arguing that he was the right choice .