Ommy Dallah
Mombasa Singer Converts To Islam
Mombasa based singer Sai has converted to Islam and changed her name to Aila.
Speaking to Ommy Dallah, the young talented vocalist revealed that she converted on Sunday.
"I have always wanted to become a Muslim it's just that I was not ready." said Sai.
Adding "No one forced me to become a Muslim, it was just a personal decision. All my family members are also Muslims."
Sai currently signed under Shirko media started her musical journey last year (2020) when she started doing covers of bongo artistes such as Harmonize, Zuchu and Mario, all of which won her a huge following before she released her first single Pambana in July.
Nazizi Opens Up About Her Struggle With Identity, Extending Her Earlobes
Kenyan Dancehall singer and Radio presenter Nazizi Hirji has opened up about her struggle with identity.
In a long facebook post, Nazizi revealed that she is half Indian half Tanzania and that she has always been struggling with identity.
"My Father @firozhirji is half Indian and half Tanzanian. His father came from Kolkata and his mother from Mbozi which is in Mbeya , Southern Tanzania. He named me after his grandmother." she said.
Adding "Being mixed race I always struggled with identity and never felt like I fit in anywhere but I always sought to connect with all the cultures I come from."
In the post Nazizi also explained the meaning of her name.
"Na is the title for the first born daughter followed by their mother's name. The literal meaning of my name is Na ( first born daughter of..) zizi ( root in kiswahili) . Hence I am the first born daughter of root. That's why I'm super proud to be the ROOTS DAUGHTER."
She further went on to reveal why she is expanding her earlobes.
"So many people have asked me why I'm Expanding my ears. My answer CULTURE. My grandmother and my great grandma Nazizi had theirs ears expanded traditionally.I will soon share the story on my double nose piercing."
Over 15,000 Jomvu Residents To Benefit From Sh6m Water Project
Over 15,000 residents of Jomvu constituency are set to wave goodbye to perennial water problems that have bedeviled them for years as the Mreroni water pipeline project nears completion.
The initiative funded by the Norwegian Red Cross through Kenya Red Cross will provide clean water for domestic and commercial use, with a pipeline of up to six kilometers.
According to Red cross Kenya Coast Regional manager Hassan Musa the project which costs kshs 6 million will first cover three areas within the constituency which are Mreroni, Mbuyu wa Chapa and Gotani.
Musa noted that the project will also involve setting up water kiosks and tapping clean clean water from the main Mzima springs water pipeline for commercial purposes. The water will also be supplied to institutions like schools.
"This project also aims at improving hygiene and as you all know we are currently facing the Covid-19 pandemic and water is also critical in fighting the disease so we believe that this project will also go a long way in supporting the fight against the deadly disease" said Musa.
Adding "We will not stop here, we will also initiate other projects to help our people and we believe we will also get other well-wishers and partners who will help us reach the entire constituency"
The project which started in December last year is expected to be complete by end of this month, April.
Speaking during an inspection tour, area Mp Bwadi Talib said the project will help in solving the perennial water problems which has been the major challenge facing most parts of the constituency.
The Mp called on the residents to ensure they safeguard the project once completion.
"We have been facing water problems for a very long period and such projects are very important. We have other areas like Ganahola, Jitengeni, Kwa Punda, Owino Uhuru and we will continue engaging our partners to see how best we can help our people" said Badi.
Adding " The ongoing road construction has been a main challenge since the construction interferes with the existing pipelines but I believe we will find a solution"
Area residents welcomed the project saying it will also help prevent them from diseases since they have been using unclean water for a very long time thus putting their lives at risk of contracting diseases.
"This project will help us alot. We have been using unclean water from wells for cooking and drinking which is very dangerous especially to our children" said Kwekwe Nzaka, a resident of Mreroni.
Police Thwart Mohamed Ali’s Bursary Meeting
Parents and guardians from Nyali constituency who had turned up for the official launch of bursary distribution by their area Mp Mohammed Ali were today forced to stay away from the constituency office as police manned the entrance in the pretext of enforcing Covid-19 protocols.
Ali had invited 30 headteachers from the neighbouring schools for the launch of sh 35 Million bursary distribution exercise at the CDF office but police officers stormed the area and blocked the parents, teachers and guardians from entering the gate.
The area Mp read mischief from the police action arguing that those invited to the function were less than the required number of 100.
He was forced to plead with the parents to come on a later date to confirm the list of beneficiaries.
"The president gave a directive that not more than 100 people are required to attend a meeting. I had only invited 30 people. This is just political." said Ali.
Adding " They are just out to frustrate me. You cannot frustrate me from carrying out developements just because am a close ally of the deputy president William Ruto or for your own political reasons."
A total of 13,842 had applied for the bursaries but only 5,049 are set to benefit from the kitty.
Ali charged "Some students had applied for the bursaries but are not from this constituency that's why they were not included in the list of beneficiaries, there are some who applied but did not return the forms."
last week Ali clashed with the county government of Mombasa over the rehabiliation of the Frere Town Primary School grounds. http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2177-mp-ali-county-government-clash-over-playing-ground
President Kenyatta Underscores Importance Of PPP In Advancing Manufacturing Agenda
President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in advancing the Government’s manufacturing pillar of the Big 4 Agenda.
Speaking on Monday when he opened a nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing facility at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri County, President Kenyatta said such factories form the foundation of making Kenya an industrialised nation.
The nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing facility was established by Semiconductor Technologies Limited (STL) on the 177-acre Dedan Kimathi University of Technology's Science and Technology Park (DeST-Park) on a public-private partnership arrangement.
The company, which is the only one of its kind in Africa, produces integrated circuits, sensors and related nanotechnology products for the world market. Its products have a high global demand and are used in electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, televisions and laptop computers.
“This is the dream some of us have for this country, our ability to become an industrialised nation, to be able to create good quality and well paying jobs for our young people,” the President said.
He noted that it was unique companies established by Kenyans like STL that will transform Kenya from a country that consumes products from other parts of the world to one that exports not only its products but also its technology across the globe.
The Head of State recalled that recently he launched a weapons factory which will save the country millions of tax-payers money every year as part of the Government’s effort to produce and consume locally manufactured goods.
“By producing locally, we are not only saving money but also creating well-paying jobs for our young people,” President Kenyatta said.
In this regard, the President disclosed that he will soon launch a ship-building enterprise in Mombasa, adding that the country is also getting back to assembling motor vehicles locally as used to happen in the past.
“I believe this is the vision that we all need to work on as we work on all the infrastructure, generating sufficient power, building roads and putting fibre networks.
“We are doing all this so that we can attract industries such as this one in order to create employment, create hope and give opportunity especially to the young people of this country,” the President said.
The University’s collaboration with STL in this manufacturing venture is geared towards supporting the Government’s policy of “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative.
On his way to Nyeri County for the official opening of the factory at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, President Kenyatta made several inspection stopovers along the 84km Kenol-Nyeri-Marua highway which is being expanded to a dual carriageway.
The President expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Shs 14 billion road and instructed the contractors to ensure that the project is completed on time.
STL CEO Anthony Githinji also spoke at the event that was attended by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru and area MP Ngunjiri Wambugu among others.
Mombasa To Receive Two Chartered Flights From Ukraine Every Month
Mombasa county will now be receiving two chartered flights from Ukraine every Month after the county government of Mombasa signed a pact agreement with the European country as it seeks to reposition itself among the preferred Kenyan destinations under the sister cities program.
On Monday, the second chartered flight from Ukraine that landed at the Moi International Airport with 180 tourists, just few days after the arrival of the first the first chatter flight from Ukraine with 189 tourists.
The flight operated by Bees Airline, a Ukrainian Charter operator and marketed by Travel Professional Group (TPG),
Ukraine remains among the potential tourist markets with close to 3 Million tourists travelling annually.
Mombasa County government tourism chief officer Aisha Abdi says this is its initiative through a sister cities program to sell Mombasa as a destination.
“We have unveiled a raft of physical measures to cushion players including extension of grace period on business permits. We have also suspended all hotel levies until further notice and a 50 percent waiver on specified taxes within the hospitality industry.” said Abdi.
Diamond Platnumz Working On His Fourth Album
Bongo flavor megastar Nassib Abdul popularly known as Diamond Platnumz is busy cooking up a storm in the studio as he works on his fourth album.
The singer who is currently in South Africa has been updating his fans through instagram on the progress mostly sharing videos recording songs that will be in the album.
"Day 5 Album Making" reads his latest post where he also revealed one of the artists featured in the album, Nigerian singer Davido.
Not much has been shared about the album.
In a past interview, Diamond said the prevailing lockdown situation due to Covid-19 pandemic has enabled him to concentrate much on his album.
"I am now used to be at home and focus on my new album, which is to be released soon." he said.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2121-diamond-platnumz-sets-another-record
His last album was 'A Boy From Tandale' which he launched in Kenya in 2018.
The album has 18 tracks and is a story line of his life, from the days he worked as a hawker in Tandale where he was born to his present stature as a global brand.
He said that he chose to launch the album in Kenya because he hates it when people picture him as a Tanzanian musician.
His other albums incude Kamwambie relased in 2010 and Lala Salama which was released in 2012.
Mp Ali, County Government Clash Over Playing Ground
A fresh row has erupted between Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali and the County government of Mombasa over the rehabilitation of the Frere Town Primary School grounds.
On Thursday, Ali kicked off the rehabilitation of the famous grounds before the county government through inspectorate officers moved in to stop him from proceeding with his plan.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Mombasa County Youth and Sport Chief Officer, Innocent Mugabe said they are the rightful trustees of all public grounds in the county and no one is allowed to rehabilitate or develop them without their approval.
"Mombasa County government is the trustee of this land and it belongs to the Frere Town community. Anyone who purpots to be rehabilitating this ground without our permission is tresspassing and we will not allow that " said Mugabe.
Mugabe said the county government is planning to upgrade the ground to Fifa standards at a cost of sh10 million.
"This is phase two of the project, in the first phase we erected the goal postsn we will now be levelling the ground and fencing it using a plastic-coated chain link that is not affected by rust and planting of grass"
Speaking to this blog (Ommy Dallah), the area Mp Mohammed Ali said the ground belongs to the school and it's the school management that approached him to rehabilitate it.
"The school management approached me not once or twice saying they want a perimetre wall and rehabilitation of the ground so as to safeguard the students from drug addicts who are usually at the ground. Before we do any project we carry out a public particiaption exercise which we did. This is a project that will also help our youth." said Ali.
Adding " As a member of parliament it is my responbility to uplift the standards of the schools in my constituency and ensure that our students are in a safe environment and that is what I was simply doing. Education is not devolved,I have all the documents to prove that the ground belongs to the school."
Ali accussed the county government of trying to sabotage his developement projects for political reasons.
Ali Charged "This is purely politics, it is not the first time that they are sabotaging my project. This is a school ground that we are rehabilitating, we are not constructing a stadium. Let them first go and finish constructing the Mombasa stadium."
The Mp further vowed to proceed with his plan.
"Nothing will stop me from serving my constituents, I will definitely continue with my plan."
Ruto Meets Kenyan Artists, Creatives Following Khaligraph's Request
Deputy President William Ruto has today hosted a group of artists and creatives at his Karen residence 'Hustlers mansion'.
The meeting follows a request by rapper Khaligraph to discuss their concerns, receive suggestions and proposals to help the industry as the country grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2161-artists-cry-foul-over-curfew-lockdown
In the meeting, the artists requested for the creation of a special government fund to support artists, government and persons of goodwill support to reengineer the industry in digital space to facilitate online music concerts and to assist the industry adapt to the new normal.
They also asked the Government to provide a clear roadmap, timelines and measurable milestones whose attainment will lead to the re-opening of the country. This, they said, will help them plan resumption of their activities.
On his part Ruto offered to ensure that artists recommendations and proposals are forwarded to the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus.
"In our meeting, we also discussed the possibility of coming up with a policy that will help weed out bureaucracy, brokers and impediments that slow the growth of the industry." said Ruto.
Adding "We acknowledge that artists have worked hand in hand with the government and appreciate their proposal to assist in confronting the pandemic. We welcome their offer to reinforce the campaign on the observance of COVID-19 protocols and vaccination drive once it is rolled out fully.
Some of the artists who attended the meeting include Nonini, Kristoff, Khaligraph Jones, Willy Paul, Arrow Bwoy, Nadia Mukami, Jalango, Dj Joe Mfalme, Dj Shiti among others.
Recovering Drug Users In Mombasa Treated To Iftar Dinner
Over 200 recovering drug users in Mombasa were on Friday evening treated to an iftar dinner courtesy of Coast based lobby group, Reach Out centre Trust.
The recovering drug users already under the Reachout treatment program from the freertown clinic also got an opportunity to interact with peer educators, staff and Management of Reach Out centre trust and other working partners.
"Since we are part of their recovery process, sharing a meal with them meal depicts the zeal we have on their recovery process and ensuring they become productive people in the society." Said Taib Abdulrahama, Executive Director Reach Out Centre Trust.
Adding "Recognizing people who use drugs and who have ventured into disentangle themselves from the menace is our daily mandate and helping them to successful walk out of the traumatizing experience encourages us as an organization to even put extra efforts into realizing our core role of reducing the negative effects of drug use and HIV."
