The Kenya Ports Authority(KPA) has taken over SGR operations at Port Reitz yard previously undertaken by Kenya Railways and reorganized all railtainer operational process with logistics partners, increasing end-to-end efficiency in port operations.

According to a statement from the Authority, this is among a raft of strategic operational changes meant to improve productivity at the Port of Mombasa.

"Dangerous cargo loading which previously experienced delays due to a single dedicated loading zone at CT1, has now been improved following an addition of loading point at Portreitz yard." reads the statement.

Adding "This has significantly reduced the transfer distance from CT2 to CT1, lowering evacuation time of DG Containers."

Similarly, centralization of the cargo handling processes and the recently introduced double deck wagons on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) have notably increased deliveries to the Inland Container Depot.

KPA Acting Managing Director Eng. Rashid Salim said a total of 10,072 TEUs have so far been evacuated in the past two weeks compared to 9,774 in the first two weeks of the year.

"These initiatives have so far contributed to the reduction of cargo dwell time from an average of 5.6 days in December 2020 to 4.6 days in January 2021." said Salim.

The statement further states that, as at Tuesday this week, the port only had one container ship waiting and four bulk carriers (Wheat) on the queue with the numbers expected to drop in the coming week.

Umra Omar is an award-winning social entrepreneur, community leader, and the founder of Safari Doctors, a mobile medical clinic serving underprivileged communities in Kenya.

Omar and the Safari Doctors travel by boat, road and air to bring medical care to people living along a remote area of islands, the Lamu Archipelago, near the Kenyan-Somali border.

She spoke to CNN International’s African Voices Changemakers programme about how the organisation has grown from humble beginnings.

“When we first started it was mainly about getting immunisations out to rural areas and making sure that a woman who wanted access to family planning could get it. " she said.

Adding "So just providing that primary care of your cough syrups, your pain medication, and then advancing from going to about a hundred people a month to now up to like 2,500 people every month.”

Their work has been internationally recognised, with Omar winning the UN-Kenya Person of the Year Award in 2017, and also being named a Top 10 CNN Hero in 2016. She describes how the company went from serving one village to an award-winning mission covering twenty-four villages.

 “It started as a 'by the way' and it ended up being a full-time and full-blown entity. We ended with a CNN Heroes Award which kind of put that strong stamp of accreditation on the work that we're doing. And kept us going financially, network wise, and really amplifying the voices of change coming from the ground going up,” she recalled.

Having started with the distribution of vaccines and other medical services using dhows and motorbikes, the Safari Doctors initiative has expanded to a network currently using its own speed boat and medical vehicle and offering improved facilities including veterinary services. Omar talks about their future expansion.

“The idea now is expanding to preventative health. So, we train a cohort of community health workers, especially the youth, to address issues around population health, environmental awareness, and getting it into that model of mobile primary and preventative healthcare that comes to the last mile doorsteps of the communities in need.” she revealed.

Omar is full of praise for the Safari Doctors team and she explains how young people form the centre of this group, “We cover the whole of Lamu County with a team that is out of this world, absolutely mind-blowing, young, energetic. Actually, out of a staff of 12, I'm the second oldest staff member. I look around and I'm like, Safari Doctors is run by people under 35 and a lot of them actually under 20.”

This network has also been instrumental in disseminating information on COVID-19 and tracking possible causes in the communities they serve.

Omar details their work during the pandemic, “What the pandemic did, it really solidified our outreaches. It was us really putting a face to the pandemic when we went out to the community, from issues around social distancing, handwashing and getting the communities to see that, okay, this is not something that's just happening in the city. These are the precautions that we need to take on the ground as well.”

Omar and her team remain passionate about helping their communities.

She sums up the Safari Doctors’ goal, “It's a peaceful change opportunity and tapping into I would say an underrated resource which is human power. It's a beautiful feeling to work at home with my people especially the younger people and play our part in transforming our own communities and actually feeling like you're making a difference.”

After 19 years in the newsroom, The Star newspaper Coast bureau Chief Maureen Mudi has decided to call it quits.

Mudi will be joining the Media council of Kenya (MCK) as the Coast regional coordinator, a newly created office.

MCK has opened up four regional offices , Mombasa, Meru, Nakuru and Kisumu. The Coast/Mombasa office will be at Sauti House (KBC and Pwani fm offices).

She is currently serving notice until end of February. Radio Africa group advertised for the position internally last week with the deadline expected to be Friday (Feb 19).

Maureen begun her career in 2002 at Baraka Fm after completing her internship at the People Daily newspaper, she then went to Standard newspaper up to 2006. She later joined Amwik exchange program in Uganda and Ethiopia for a year before getting back to the Standard media group where she worked up to 2008 when she joined Radio Africa Group (The Star Newspaper) as a correspondent, she was promoted to a Chief Correspondent/Regional Editor in 2012 a position she held up to now.

In 2013 she was in the US for a professional fellows program and attached to Minnesota Public Radio.

Mudi is also a media viability consultant for DW Akademie.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah on her experience from the newsroom Mudi stated "I can say it's been interesting. Had it's ups and downs but it has shaped me into the person I want to become. RAG has been my home for so many years and the shift is a major milestone in my career progression as I transit from active newsroom work/journalism, to doing regulatory work. I thank God for all the answered prayers."

Singer Tanasha Donna has finally cleared a debt of kshs 15,000 she owed a local make up artist.

This comes just days after Tv presenter and video vixen Dana De Grazia called her out for not paying the make up artist two months down the line.

In a statement released online, Tanasha stated "I usually don’t like addressing things online or justifying myself when I know my truth, but this is getting out of hand.Let me make one thing clear: It just came to my attention recently that one of the make up artists for my previous video’s payment wasn’t made, as I never personally handle anything to do with finance for my projects myself."

Adding"I have a team for that, however, I understand that my name is the one that will be jeopardized & obviously not the person handling my finances. Had I known this earlier, this would’ve been long sorted. I would to state that THE PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE!I apologize on behalf of myself & my team for any inconveniences caused, this was not done deliberately, our schedules have been extremely hectic recently, however it is no excuse.” 

She further went ahead to disclose that her lawyers are working on some  false information about her brand going around in public.

"I would also like to state that there is a lot of false information going round but my lawyers are currently handling it & this time I will not let it slide. I have worked extremely hard to build my brand to where it is today to just sit back & let some things slide.” she stated.

Dana De Grazia also took to social media to confirm that Tanasha has indeed cleared the debt and posted the screenshot of the payment made.

"I am tagging media outlets As a gesture of goodwill to spread this good news. I am happy to confirm that after over two months and mounting public pressure @tanashadonna Has fulfilled on her word. I would like to re-state (I said it in my video) That this was never about attacking who she is as a person, it was about supporting my friend and I believe this message proves that our efforts worked." posted Grazia.

Adding "I cannot speak to the reason Tanasha or her “team” was unable to pay in a more timely manner but I am happy that at the end of the day, after the time and effort put in, promises were fulfilled.”

Zanzibar’s first vice President and ACT Wazalendo’s Chairman Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad has died at the age of 77.

This comes just days after his party (ACT Wazalendo) announced that the leader, his wife and aides had tested positive for the coronavirus.

“It is true I am at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital where I am being treated of Covid-19 and my wife has been isolated at home,” "Maalim Seif told Journalists.

Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi made the announcement on Wednesday, further declaring seven days of national mourning. The cause of death was not made clear.

Maalim Seif was on January 31, 2021 hospitalized at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar after he reportedly contracted the coronavirus.

He was on February 9, 2021 admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli has since sent his message of condolences to the people of Zanzibar following the death.

“I have received with profound shock the news of the death of Hon. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, the First Vice President of Zanzibar. I send my condolences to the President of Zanzibar Hon. Dr. Mwinyi, Family, Zanzibaris, ACT-Wazalendo members and all Tanzanians. May his soul Rest in Peace,” Magufuli wrote on Twitter.

Wines of South Africa (WOSA) and partners hosted the annual grand tasting event for the first time in Mombasa, last week.

The two days event held at the Sarova Whitesands hotel brought together wine lovers, lifestyle journalists, hotels and restaurants staff, General Managers, Food and Beverage Managers, Restaurant owners and Importers of wine.

The event started on Thursday where the first group comprising of journalists and hotel staff were taken through and trained on the process of wine making.

On Friday evening the second group witnessed the grand tasting event, where invited guests got to taste some of the very best of  wines from South Africa and explore business opportunities in the wine trade, for businesses and individuals interested in import and distribution or whole sale of Wines of South Africa.

According to Wanjiru Mureithi, Kenyan representative, Wines of South Africa, the event was strategically held in Mombasa to help promote Mombasa as a tourism destination and also as a hub for other coastal destination. 

"As you know Mombasa is a tourist city and the hub for all the other areas in the Coastal region, so it is strategic" she said.

Adding "This is unprecedented, first time in Mombasa and we are also looking forward to going to other regions like Western".

Since 2015 Wines of South Africa (WOSA) www.wosa.co.za has been hosting an annual showcase in Nairobi Kenya.

This event is to increase knowledge of South African wines, brands, and personalities.

South African Wine is the highest by volume in Kenya. Attendees to these events include hoteliers, restaurateurs, importers, retailers, distributors of wine.

The South African wine brands that participated in the wine showcase included; Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Eikendal Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Darling Cellars, Darling, Diemersdal Wine Estate, Durbanville, Perderberg Wine Estate, Paarl, Topiary Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Swartland Wine Estate, Swartland, Boland Cellar Wine Estate, Paarl,  Lubanzi Wine Estate, Kanonkop Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Gun Bay Wines, Cecilia Wines, Skipskop Wines and KWV, Paarl.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has urged tourism providers to expand their products offering to deliver unique, authentic Kenyan travel experiences to travellers.

He said this during the award ceremony of the second phase of the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) held to recognise outstanding tourism offerings among Kenyan travel industry players.

Through the MKSE Program, which commenced in 2019, facilities and organizations are required to provide value addition to their offerings through exceptional travel experiences to the traveller.

In 2019, fifteen inaugural MKSE facilities that met the required criteria of a Kenya signature experience were recognised. The awards marked the beginning of a journey to deliver diverse tourism experiences in Kenya.

The second phase recognised 29 experiences with CS Balala noting that the program is aimed at meeting the expectation of the current discerning traveller who is keener on immersive travel experiences than ever before.

“We are glad to award twenty nine (29) new experiences to add to the Signature Collection. When we began this journey in 2018, our goal was to grow and diversify our products to ensure that we are a cut above other destinations and to also have products that offer an outstanding experience to suit todays demanding traveller. " said Balala.

To be part of the Program, facilities are required to fill out a pre-qualification Quiz, which has a set of 10 questions.

The next stage involves filling out of an application form followed by desk and on-site audits. Those that meet the requirements are then enlisted into the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) Collection.

CS Balala added that the MKSE program is one of key milestones of Kenya’s tourism transformation noting that despite the challenges of Covid-19, the industry was ready for kick-off once travel resumes fully.

“Last year was difficult for tourism due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which has had a devastating effect to the industry. That said, a lot has been ongoing behind the scenes to ensure that Kenya comes back stronger. MKSE is part of our strategy to revive tourism in Kenya through partnership with the private sector which is a key component of tourism,” he added.

Commenting during the awards, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO Dr Betty Radier noted that the newly recognised facilities would have their products and experiences marketed for local and international traveller through FAM trips, exhibitions, collaborative initiatives, events, trainings to providing extra visibility while driving conversion for the respective companies.

“Kenya has curved her niche as a competitive destination with rich and diverse experiences across the country, available throughout the year and fit for different travel segments. Through this Collection we are able to show the world that Kenya has a lot more to offer beyond the iconic wildlife safari and the pristine sandy beaches for both the repeat and first times visitors.” she said.

She added that operators within the sector will need to be aware of the emerging trends and incorporate them in their business strategies.

“Some of these trends include search for authentic & immersive local travel experiences, slow travel, outdoor experiences to connect with nature, and the need to leave a positive impact in the destinations where they visit.” she added.

The experiences that were awarded are:

WCB singer Rayvanny has found himself in trouble after a video of him getting cozy with a school girl leaken online.

In the videos which went viral on instagram, the singer is seen getting cozy with Paula Kajala.

Paula Kajala is the daughter to Harmonize's new girlfriend Kajala Masanja.

The videos have been the topic of discussion with the mother Kajala Masanja accusing Hamisssa Mobeto of linking her daughter with Rayvanny .

"Mimi ni mzazi ambaye namlea mtoto wangu kwa katika mazingira magumu sana kutokana na tofauti moja mbili tatu na baba mtoto wangu lakini mimi nilikuwa nikipambana na kumpa kila anachotaka mtoto wangu ili aweze kutimiza ndoto zake kama msichana mana kesho nitakuja kumtegemea. Lakini pia nilikuwa nikikumbana na changamoto tofauti tofauti ambazo zinamkumba paula kama msichana lakini shutuma nyingine huwa zinanijia mimi direct kama mzazi wa paula sina budi ya kuzipokea na kukumbana nazo as long as Mungu anajua ukweli wangu ,jinsi gani namtunza mwanangu na kiasi gani napambana kwa ajili ya mwanangu,basi yote yaliyotokea ya kunichafua na kunifanya nionekane mbaya kwenye jamii huwa namwachiaga Mungu tu."  posted Masanja.

Adding "Ilikuwa tarehe 9 saa 6 mchana hamisa mobeto aliniomba kutoka lunch na mwanangu, sikuona haja kumkatalia kwa sababu nilijua yeye ni mzazi ambaye ana mtoto pia wa kike,kumbe ndo hiyo siku alitake advantage kwenda kumkutanisha na rayvanny kwa manufaa yake binafsi,walimrubuni mtoto mdogo kwa kumnywesha pombe,wamemrecord video Chafu sawa mimi ni Mnyonge siwezi wafanya Chochote basi Hata Muogopeni Mungu Kama Mungu Hamumuoni Hamuiogopi serikali ? na kuvujisha video bila woga wakati ni mtoto mdogo anasubiria mwezi wa 6 kuingia form 5 siamini kama kuna alie juu ya sheria Katika taifa hili kama leongo lilikuwa ni Kudet Mtoto Mdogo ili Kutimiza Matendo Haya Machu Ya Kustaajabisha haitoshi mnampatia mtoto pombe na kumrecord Video chafu lengo lilikuwa nini Kama sio kuharibu Maisha ya msichana wa kitanzania ?Nimeumizwa mno na Hamissa mzazi mwenzangu hata kama iwe paula ndo alimwambia anaenda kukutana na rayvanny kama yeye mzazi ange Vaa kiatu changu na kujiuliza kinachoenda kutokea ni kitu gani au kama ni mimi nafanyiwa hivi ningejisikiaje? nimeshikwa na bumbuazi sina nguvu naomba Mamlaka husika wanisaidie kwenye hili mana hili pigo ni lawazazi Wote Duniani Paula ni msichana mdogo sana ana ndoto zake leo hii ameharibiwa profile nzima Je mmefikiria maamuzi gani anaweza chukua huyu mtoto kuona video kama hizi zinatambaa mtandaoni kama akiamua kujinyonga je?. Naomba sana msaada serikali yangu na mamlaka husika juu ya hili."

On her part Hamissa responded by saying she will take legal action against Masanja over what she terms as character assasination.

"Jamani hata kama HAMISA MOBETTO ndio jumba bovu lenu la kutupia takataka ifike mahala ifike ukomo. Siamini kama baada ya kukaa na kutafakari cha kuexplain kuhusu haya mmeona mimi ndio ninaweza kuwa Damage Controller. Kajala hiyo tarehe 9 mwanao aliniomba nimtoe Lunch, nikamwambia inabidi niongee na wewe kwanza, na nikakupigia ukaona ni sawa tu. Nilimtoa Lunch na muda wote nilikua naongea na wewe kwenye simu mpaka nimemrudisha hapo Gym kwako Mimi mwenyewe soon after lunch. Na huoni Kama unaongea uongo hadharani bila woga?? Siku ninatoka na Paula alikuwa na nywele hizo za kwenye videos? Naomba nilaumiwe kwa kukubali ombi la kumpeleka mwanao lunch na si vinginevyo. Mimi ni Mama, mfanya biashara, mdau na balozi wa makampuni mbali mbali. Brand yangu nimeijenga kwa muda mrefu hivyo ningependa iheshimike na isichafuliwe kwa shutuma za uongo kama hizi. Mimi pia ni mzazi na mtoto kwa mama yangu kama ilivyo wewe. Nimeona nisafishe upepo mchafu huu uliouelekezea kwangu siku hii ya wapendanao, lakini zaidi you’ll hear from my lawyer. Rest assured sitaliacha hili lipite bure, nafikiri itakuwa fundisho zuri na kwa wale wooooote ambao wamekua wakichafua jina langu kwa upuuzi wao."she posted.

Hramonize has also joined those blaming Rayvanny for the videos.

Taking to social media, Harmonize posted "YOUR MY YOUNG BROTHER AND Yafuatayo Sitoyasema Kama Mimi ni Mzazi wa Paula no Naandika Kama Mzazi Nilie na Mtoto wa Kike (ZUREKHA) Lakini Pia Kama Msani Mwenzio (RAY ) Najiuliza tuu..!! Ulipata wapi Ujasiri Huu Wa Kutembea na Mwanafunzi Wa Kidato Cha (5) Wakati ni Wazi Yakwamba ni Kosa La Jinai Hukumu Yake Sio Chini Ya Miaka 30 Lakini Pia Isitoshe Una RECORD na Video Ukiwa Una KISS Yani Unaonyesha Kwamba Serikali Haiwezi Kukufanya Kitu Nawaza Lengo Lilikuwa ni Kuonyesha Kwamba Upo Juu Ya Sheria .? Hebu Angalia Future Ya Mtoto Wawatu Umeiweka wapi Kwa Tamaa Za Siku 1 Kama kweli Mlikuwa mnapendana MUKO IN LOVE Video ilikuwa na Haja Gani And Lengo La Kuvujisha nini ...?? LAKINI PIA SERIKALI itajiuliza Una VIDEOS Ngapi Za Watoto wa shule Kama Umeweza Kuwa na hii Na Ukaivujisha ? Jee Uliwaza Wasichana wa Rika Lake ambao Walikuwa Mashabiki Zako Watafurahishwa na Hichii Kitendo Cha Kinyama ?".

Adding " Maana Kama Leo Umemfanyia Mwenzao Ni wazi Kesho Utawafanyia Wao ...!!! Huoni kama Umewapoteza Mashabiki imara...!!! Wataipata wapi Nguvu Ya Kujirecord Ngoma Zako na Kupost ikiwa Umemzalilisha Msichana mwenzao Mdogo (KINGONO ) ? Jee kuhusu wazazi wenye Watoto Wakike Watakutazama Sura Gani ...?? Usisahau Kuna Vijana wenzio Ambao wana wadogo Zao Wakike Watakuonaje ..??? Kwanini Usiendelee Kuimba Muziki tuu Huihitaji Kujiingiza Katika Kuhatalisha maisha Yako Kama Hivi Tazama mifano Ya Wasani Wakubwa Akina R KELLY Mpaka Leo wana Sota Ndani Kwajili Ya Mambo Hizi za watoto Wa (Shule) Kama Tatizo Lilikuwa Ni Mimi Kumpenda Mama Yake (P) Na watu wengi wakavutiwa Na sisi si Ungetafuta Mkubwa Mwenzio Why ( MWANAFUNZI) tena wa Miaka Hii Ya (JPM) SERIKALI YA LEO IPO MACHO SANAAA MAANA WATENDAJI WENGI NI VIJANA JE WATAKUBALIANA NA HILI Unadhani Waziri wa Sanaa Michezo Na Burudani Atakalia Kimya ??? Umejiuliza Mashirika Yanayosimamia Haki za Wanawake Watalifumbia Macho ??? Mamlaka Za Elimu Jeee ???? DAAH SINA LAKUFANYA ZAIDI YA KUKUOMBEA HURUMA YA SERIKALI #PRAY4RAYVANY".

On his part, Rayvanny has remained silent on the whole issue.
 

Coast based artist Susumila has finally dropped his much - awaited video featuring South Africa's finest Sho Madzoji.

In the video titled 'Njoo' Sho Madzoji plays Susumila's crush.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1930-photos-susumila-working-on-a-collabo-with-sho-madjozi

The video was shot in Mombasa and directed by Nezzoh Montana with the audio produced by Mombasa music producer Tk2 and Sho Madzoji's official producer Tboy Da Flame.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1373-susumila-shifts-focus-to-east-africa-market

Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGEVJtuDJq4

Naomisia is a Tanzanian based R&B/Pop/AfroPop singer and songwriter.

Her refreshingly unique sound delves into the complexities of love (of both the self and the other), dissecting its duality as something both beautiful and ugly, healing and hurtful.

Naomisia made her first appearance in the music scene in 2016 at a live event in Dar es salaam titled ‘Alternative Nights’, a platform responsible for bringing other talented artists and poetsto the spotlight.

Since then she has featured on numerous singles and albums of Tanzanian artists.

In her new single “Pumzika”, Naomisia merges her smooth vocals, in the Rachi produced track accompanied with soft R&B melodies giving relaxing, calm vibes talking about how it’s important to sometimes catch a breather in a world where chaos tends to spiral out of control.

This song serves as a reminder to find peace in a midst of uncontrollable chaos.

“The world can be extremely chaotic and we all just need to breathe sometime" says Naomisa

Adding ‘Pumzika’ is a reminder to myself to find peace in the midst of all the chaos.Especially with the crazy year we’ve all had”.

“Pumzika” is the first official single off Naomisia’s ‘WDKY - What Doesn’t Kill You’ debut EP, a 8 track project produced by Tanzanian music producer RACHI dropping March this year.