First Lady Margaret Kenyatta on Thursday appealed for greater national focus on mental illnesses by stakeholders in the health sector. 

The First Lady said mental health should be given the same priority as other medical conditions noting that, with proper attention, mental illnesses are treatable.

"It (mental sicknesses) can be treated and many people we know have recovered enough to lead healthy lives. Yet, too many individuals are being left to deal with these issues on their own, and many face complicating life circumstances like drug and alcohol addiction, confinement or abandonment. We must do a better job. We must not accept this,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said. 

She observed that the recent escalation in the numbers of Kenyans affected by mental illnesses, especially during the current Coronavirus pandemic, makes the case for urgent attention.

As part of the renewed approach, the First Lady advised stakeholders to aim at providing greater access to quality mental health treatment, appropriate medical and psychosocial support. 

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta spoke during celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Chiromo Hospital Group and official opening of Chiromo Bustani Level 5 Hospital in Nairobi. Chiromo Bustani is a new mental hospital in Nairobi County. 

The First Lady hailed Chiromo Hospital Group for their sustained commitment to mental health in Kenya saying, the experience and knowledge gained by the hospital over the years should be leveraged to expand mental health provision in the country.

“In the conversation today, we have learned some very important facts about these illnesses that we probably did not know 25 years ago when this institution first started.

“We can now use this knowledge to implement better policies,implement better treatment modalities and scale up interventions that will support a reliable mental care system,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said.

 She observed that mental health was a growing global and national concern noting, that the rising number of cases were ravaging communities and households across the country.

“We all know of, or have heard of, someone who has battled with mental illness. This is a signal to our nation that we must do whatever it takes to heighten our efforts to create awareness about mental diseases," the First Lady advised.

Despite the challenges faced in the provision of mental healthcare in the country, the First Lady applauded efforts being made by Government and partners to ensure the services are expanded, and called for more awareness creation.

“We have made progress in learning about mental diseases in the last few years, so that we understand them more scientifically.

“We need to be aware of the cost of untreated mental illness; the lost school days, lost work days, dropout, marital distress, and also lost opportunity cost—the economic effects of individuals who are not functioning at full capacity,” the First Lady advised.

Public awareness, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta noted, could change negative perceptions around mental illnesses citing her experience in maternal and child health advocacy through the Beyond Zero Initiative.

“One of the ways we can change the misguided perceptions is through more public awareness.I know heightened advocacy and awareness works through my own work in Beyond Zero highlighting maternal and child health. We also have many great examples of how advocacy works through joint collaboration, through the media and community support,” she said.

Once again, the First Lady reiterated her commitment to continue advocating for mental health and assured of her support for the global 'Tufunguke' campaign which is encouraging people to open up about their mental illnesses.

Health CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi, who also spoke at the launch event, said mental illnesses were a major challenge and welcomed the private sector's support Government efforts to expand mental healthcare in the country.

On his part, Dr Frank Njenga, the Chairman of the Chiromo Hospital Group, who led several people to tell their success stories after receiving treatment at the facility, said the 580-bed capacity hospital handles an average of 100 cases daily. 

Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday signed two key agreements in the health sector, on the third day of President Kenyatta's official visit to the European nation.

The first pact, signed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui and UK's Secretary of State for Health Sajid Javid, is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Health Workforce Collaboration.

The second agreement, also an MoU, is on the launch of the UK-Kenya Health Alliance, was signed by University of Manchester's Vice-President Prof Graham Lord, Dr Richard Cowan of Christie hospital, John Wareing of the University of Manchester Foundation Trust and Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK Amb Manoah Esipisu.

The agreement on health workforce collaboration provides a framework for capacity building and exchange of health workers between Kenya and the UK, while the health alliance is a collaborative platform for healthcare providers.

Speaking at the Royal College of Physicians in central London where the agreements were entered, President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the two pacts will deepen the Kenya-UK partnership in healthcare provision.

“I am delighted to note that these two new MoU's will create a platform for health workers exchange and capacity building of healthcare professionals not only in Kenya but also across our region.

“But more importantly, it will also strengthen the management of cancer and therefore be in a position to provide our people with the kind of healthcare that they deserve,” President Kenyatta said.

Noting that Kenya and the UK enjoy a solid and effective research cooperation since the early 1980’s, through various programmes among them a partnership between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Welcome Trust and UK Aid, the President said the collaboration has contributed immensely to the advancement of medical research in Kenya.

The President, particularly, applauded the UK for its partnership with Kenya in Covid-19 research, a groundbreaking exercise that saw KEMRI undertake sero-surveillance, transmission modelling and testing for the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

“This work will help us as a country to model our health systems capacity and determine how best to enhance the capacity of the systems to manage Covid-19 cases,” the President said.

Once again, President Kenyatta affirmed his administration's commitment to the advancement of the Kenya-UK partnership in order to assist Kenyatta accelerate the attainment of universal health coverage as well as the other Big 4 Agenda programmes.

In his address, Secretary Javid said the signing of the MOU on health workforce collaboration will go a long way in supporting Kenya’s efforts towards achieving universal health coverage.

On his part, University of Manchester Vice-President Prof Lord announced that his university and Christie hospital will establish two scholarships named after Kenya’s founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta to help support Kenyans in the medical field at the university.

As part of its broad objectives, the UK-Kenya Health Alliance seeks to improve cancer care in Kenya and development of a centre of excellence for cancer research at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTTRH).

Further, the alliance aims at promoting the exchange of health workforce between Kenya and the UK as well as developing a centre of excellence for health education and training at Kisii University in Kenya to serve the whole of the East African region.

Popular Mwanzele singer and composer Bin Kalama is dead.

Kalama died on Wednesday evening at the Coast General hopital where he had been rushed for treatment after complaining of chest problems.

Kalama had also been living with a fractured bone on his left hand.

Early this year, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho came to his aid and sponsored his surgery at the Kijabe mission hospital.

Mwanzele is a dance style originally performed during funerals by the Mijikenda tribe.

More to follow......

Tanzanian singer AliKiba has postponed the release of his new video following the death of his friend and fan Malcom Masoud.

The singer was slated to release the video to his latest song 'Jealous'  featuring Nigerian singer Mayorkun,today (Thursday).

In a statement the 'Ndombolo' hitmaker said the decision is out of respect for the late Malcom .

"Owing to the unfortunate demise of my dear friend Malcom Ally Masoud, I have decided to postpone the release of the music video for “Jealous” until 11 am on Friday, 30th July."reads the statement from Kiba

Malcom was the son to radio presenter Masoud Kipanya and had been living with a rare diseases muscular dystrophy. He died on Wednesday evening.

Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir has said he is not desperate for endorsement from any political leader.

Nassir who has declared his interest to succeed Hassan Joho as Mombasa Governor said that he will continue hosting Raila in his constituency over and over again and that should not be seen as if he is looking for an endorsement.

He added that Raila does not vote in Mombasa but he will seek his blessings to go for the Mombasa Governor seat come 2022. 

"I will continue hosting Baba (Raila Odinga) in Mvita over and over again because he is my party leader," said Nassir.

Addressing members of the press in Liwatoni, the Mp said that loyalty was an expensive thing as it is one of the principles of belonging to a party.

"It is not about endorsement of any kind. Loyalty is expensive, one of the principles of politics and political parties is loyalty. To be loyal to the party is to be loyal to the people that elected you, I have and will remain loyal to ODM," he said.

Nassir has so far hosted ODM leader Raila Odinga twice in his constituency in a span of one month. 

Concerning his close relation with Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Nassir said that they have been buddies even before they joined politics and as such it should not be pegged on seeking an endorsement from him.

"I believe Joho will vote for me as governor in 2022, I am not looking for his endorsement but his vote," said Nassir.

Suleiman Shahbal is also seeking to succeed Hassan Joho on an ODM ticket.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2347-political-battle-looms-as-race-to-succeed-joho-gains-momentum

The Kenyan coast is set to receive more international tourists during the tourism peak season following the commencement of direct flights to the region by Eurowings Discover.

Eurowings Discover, the newest leisure airline within the Lufthansa Group, commenced its flights on the 24th of July 2021 with two weekly flight services from Frankfurt, Germany to Mombasa, with onward flights to the region.

Speaking during the reception of the inaugural flight at the Moi International Airport Mombasa, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala said that the flight was a testament to the strides Kenya is making in the recovery of tourism activities, which were minimal due to restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He noted that the Kenyan coast was a popular destination for European tourists adding that the flight would create a link between Kenya and European travellers.

“Kenya has been making great progress as a destination in attracting tourists from different markets and especially from Europe. This flight is yet another milestone in the recovery of activities in the country. The Kenyan Coast is especially showing great interest from tourists from across Europe and beyond. The commencement of flights by Eurowings Discover will help us link with both Business and leisure clients from Germany and the region,” said CS Balala.

He further added that Germany and Europe remain to be a key source market for tourists with the potential of further growth with the new emerging younger consumers and the continued relations between Kenya and European countries.

“With the emergence of new market trends and a new consumer segment, we have an opportunity to expand our markets and to reach the now younger and health-conscious clientele. Europe is a market that offers us a different opportunity, with the vaccination of citizens, more people will be looking forward to travel and we want to be ready for this,” he added.

On her part the Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Hon Safina Kwekwe reiterated that the government was working towards ensuring that a conducive environment that allows a vibrant air travel system and in the process support tourism activities.

“This development also gives us hope and reassures us that people are eager to travel and experience the world yet again, as a destination we are working hard to ensure that we are ready to host tourists’ She added.

The Kenya Tourism Board CEO Dr Betty Radier welcomed the new Eurowings Discover flight to Kenya saying that it signalled the growing confidence in the destination by tourists in regards to preparedness against COVID-19 which has enhanced traveller confidence.

She added that Eurowings Discover would offer a different opportunity to travellers who wanted to visit for both leisure and business.

 “Commencement of this direct flight to Mombasa by Eurowings Discover shows that the work we have been putting in is bearing fruits which make us immensely proud. We shall continue to market Kenya to the world to ensure that we tap into each available market. That said, this flight is a signal of this growth and confidence in Magical Kenya as a preferred destination globally “she commented.

With more countries vaccinating their citizens across the world and most beginning to relax their travel restrictions, there is an increased demand of people yearning to travel, relax and explore across the globe. This creates an opportunity for destinations to tap into this, putting into consideration the need to reassure visitors of their health as well as offering different tourism opportunities.

Airlines are also alert to ensure that they offer a variety of travel opportunities for their clients as travel resumes.

“Today marks an important milestone in our company’s history not only is Mombasa the very first destination for our brand-new leisure airline, Eurowings Discover, but with this addition to our destination portfolio, we are further strengthening our footprint on the African continent for the Lufthansa Group.”, says Dr. Andre Schulz, General Manager Sales, Lufthansa Group, Southern & East Africa. 

Kenya Breweries has relaunched an affordable quality whiskey into the Kenyan market, primarily targeted at young, upwardly mobile and fun-loving consumers of both genders. Mr Dowell’s is a smooth and fairly-priced whiskey with an unmistakable golden color that signifies its quality as well as aesthetic appeal. 

Priced at between Sh220 for 250ml bottle and Sh670 for a 750ml bottle, the new whiskey targets discerning consumers who desire quality at an affordable price, assuring them of the high quality standards associated with Kenya Breweries, Kenya’s premier alcoholic beverage manufacturer. 

“Mr Dowell’s is an internationally renowned whiskey made from a blend of Scotch whiskey, imported malts and a select African spirits,” said the innovations manager Ms Faith Nyambur

Adding “It contains 40% ABV in a bottle of 750ml. At KBL we are constantly finding new ways to innovate and produce quality products at an affordable price to discourage use of illicit brews.’’

Packaged in a tamper proof bottle that is also aesthetically designed to give it a contemporary look, MrDowell’s is a beverage that meets the changing realities of modern times; it can be enjoyed in small groups in a social setting or by individuals who desire to have a great time with their families or close associates within the comfort of their homes. 

It was introduced into the Kenyan market as part of Kenya Breweries response to the ever changing tastes and preferences of Kenyan consumers and also to meet the growing demand for spirits in the market at an affordable price. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta today issued 2,169 title deeds to residents of Rabai in Kilifi County, and urged them not to be enticed into selling their birthright for temporary pleasure.

The President observed that the title deeds were worth billions of shillings and if utilized well, the landownership documents held immense potential to transform the lives of beneficiaries and their dependants.

“When we finish this event, the residents of Rabai would be worth Shs 4.2 billion. The question is, if you have received a title deed and you have heard of its worth, are you going to use it to improve your lives or you are going to sell it and make yourself happy then in December you will start looking for another place to be a squatter,” the President posed.

President Kenyatta spoke at Kasidi Primary School Grounds in Kilifi County where he presided over the issuance of the title deeds, and reiterated the Government's commitment to continue its ambitious land-titling programme.

He pointed out that land title deeds were powerful economic tools with potential to transform lives of households across the country when utilized well.

"For an individual to have a title deed, it means the end of poverty. It assures them of settlement. It means they wont worry that they are squatters but rather they will know that the place they are living is their home and thus put up a permanent homestead,” the President said.

President Kenyatta acknowledged the sensitivity of the land question at the Coast, and thanked leaders from the region for supporting Government efforts to address the matter through dialogue.

“The issue of land has been a source of discord, tribalism and chaos here at the Coast region. That’s why when I took over the country’s leadership, I promised to bring a solution to the issue rather than continue discussing it,” the President said.

Once again, the Head of State reiterated his administration's commitment to end the squatter issue at the Coast, and across the country saying, the Government would intensify issuance of land title deeds in coming months.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi also spoke at the event and thanked the President for prioritizing the settlement of landless people at the Coast and across the country.

The county leader observed that in the nine years of President Kenyatta's leadership, the population of Coast residents holding title deeds to their parcels of land had risen exponentially.

“For 50 years, the Coast Region received only 230,000 title deeds but from 2013 to date, the Coast has received 500,000 title deeds in 9 years. In Kilifi between 1963 and 2012 the County received 52,000 title deeds while since 2013 to-date the region has received 100,000 title deeds,” Governor Kingi noted.

Lands CS Farida Karoney also spoke at the event that was attended by Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i and several Coast leaders led by area MP William Kamoti.

A gigantic political battle is looming in the race to succeed Governor Ali Hassan Joho at the helm of Mombasa County Government as gubernatorial candidates begin to take their campaigns to the grassroots ahead of the August 2022 polls.

At least six candidates have shown interest to take the mantle from Joho whose term expires next year after leading the county for two terms as the first governor.

Businessman Suleiman Shahbal, MPs Abdulswamad Nassir (Mvita), Ali Mbogo (Kisauni), Mombasa deputy governor Dr William Kingi and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar have all declared interest in the race.

Former Mombasa County Secretary Francis Thoya also declared his interest in the seat as former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar takes a second shot at it this time vying on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

The titanic battle is however between ‘loyal servant’ Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir and the ‘prodigal son’ Suleiman Shahbal who finally decided to go back home as they both seek the ODM ticket.

Both Nassir and Shahabal have been trying to outshine each other posing for photos with ODM party leader Raila Odinga whose frequent visits to Mombasa have shown that a lot is at stake on who will take over from Joho.

Shabhal who twice unsuccessfully vied for the seat and lost to Joho recently resigned from the Jubilee Party and rejoined ODM, a move that is semed to have sent chills at Nassir's camp.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2329-shahbal-ditches-jubilee-makes-u-turn-to-odm

Nassir a two time Member of Parliament for Mvita constituency has in both occasions been given direct ticket by the party and was poised to be ODM’s flag-bearer in next year’s general election.

He now faces an uphill task of going for nominations for the first time in his political career.

In Raila's recent tour, Nassir was part of a private breakfast meeting that saw the ODM leader meet a section of central leaders at a Mombasa hotel.

However soon after photos of Raila and Shahbal surfaced online with Shahbal quick to share them on all his social media platforms as the two continue throwing jabs at each other on who had baba’s eye to go for the seat.

In a bid to guarantee him a win, Shahbal has poached Joho’s political schemers among them Major (Rtd) Idriss Abdirahman to help him venture into the murky political waters next year.

“Shahbal will for the third time attempt to capture the post, it is a do or die affair and he cannot afford to lose again,” said a senior official within his quarters.

Even though Shahbal has declared to run on ODM ticket, sources within ODM Mombasa branch said he is yet to go for new registration.

Last month, Raila honoured an invite by Nassir to be the chief guest during an event for the renewal of Mvita’s National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) issuance of cards to over 3,000 vulnerable families.

Leader after leader who addressed the public hailed praises for the Mvita legislature piling pressure on the ODM leader to endorse him for the seat, but Raila downplayed them stating that he would leave it to the people to decide on their preferred flag bearer for the governor’s seat.

" Hiyo ya ugavana ni yenu (The governorship decision is yours. You will decide who will become governor). As ODM we are going to conduct free and fair nomination" said Raila.

Nassir, who has been in ODM since 2013, described Shahbal as a party hopper, who campaigned vigorously against ODM in the previous elections saying he is better placed to carry the ODM flag in 2022.

“In 2022, the person standing behind this microphone (him) will be the ODM governor for Mombasa,” said Nassir.

Mombasa deputy governor William Kingi has also declared that he will join in the mix to take over from his boss on an ODM ticket.

The soft spoken Deputy Governor said that he was ready to battle it out with Nassir and Shahbal though pundits argue that the odds do not favour him.

On March 4, Kingi hinted that he is still in the race to succeed Joho, but his popularity in the region has not been felt as it had been expected.

"Spent some quality time with Baba. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that ODM nominations will be free and fair. With your vote and the grace of God, I Dr William Kazungu Kingi will be your next Governor 001" captioned Kingi in one of his recent photos with Odinga and Nassir.

Former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar is expected it give a second shot after failing to clinch the seat in 2017 running on a wiper ticket.

Omar a close ally and confidant of deputy president William Ruto is expected to vie on the newly formed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

He was a distance third in 2017 after he was trounced by Joho.

Kisauni law maker Ali Menza Mbogo, a first-time MP has also declared interest in the seat and has since been traversing one village after the other popularizing his ‘Hodihodi’ political campaign train.

Mbogo is looking to ride on the Mijikenda community who constitute about 50 percent of the Mombasa population according to 2019 Census.

Former Mombasa County Secretary Francis Thoya had in 2018 started his grassroots campaigns, but went silent after sometime, nothing much has been heard or seen from him.

Thoya had been poised to deputies Joho in 2017, but behind the scene manoeuvers saw him being locked out and Kingi appointed into that position.