A convoy of Nissan Navara pick-ups, representing the entire range that is manufactured in South Africa, left Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, Nissan’s African LCV manufacturing hub, today on the first leg of an eight country odyssey into the interior of Africa and ultimately Cairo.

The expedition, dubbed Daring Africa 2024, proves the boast that this range of Nissan Navaras has been built to withstand the most severe road conditions in Africa.

It also celebrates a wonderful legacy, says Nissan South Africa Managing Director Maciej Klenkiewicz. “These Navaras, all new and built of more, have been made for Africa by African hands that care in the very same place that the first Nissan vehicle was built in Africa more than 60 years ago.”

The factory in Rosslyn, says Nissan Africa managing director Sherief Eldessouky, is an enduring symbol of Nissan’s ties to South Africa and Africa as a whole. “We are very proud of our history and of the multi-generational relationship that we have been privileged to create between employees and customers since we started, both here and across the continent.”

Today Rosslyn has evolved into Nissan’s LCV manufacturing hub for Africa, with the Navaras that are built here sold across Africa and, since the end of last year, in the new markets of Algeria and Libya. Soon, the vehicle range will be introduced to Egypt.

“We’ve dubbed this journey Daring Africa,” explains Nissan African Head of Communications and PR Ramy Mohareb, “because it really is a wonderful new chapter to Nissan Dare, last year’s celebration of Nissan’s 90^th anniversary.”

The odyssey, he says is daring in so many different ways. “It allows us to showcase a vehicle that we are very proud of in a series of immersive events literally all the way to Cairo. We are proving our promise that the entire range of the Nissan Navara which we build on the continent, is equal to the severest road conditions that Africa has to offer as we connect our two manufacturing hubs on either side of the continent,” he added.

Tonight, the expedition accompanied by selected South African journalists overnighted at Nelspruit after visiting selected Nissan dealerships in Pretoria and Mbombela: Nissan Menlyn and Produkta Nissan en route to the Mozambique border. The next leg will see the expedition heading into Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya, being met and accompanied by a team from each country’s media, before ending the adventure in Egypt.

Throughout their African odyssey, the Navaras will be shadowed by a Nissan X-Trail acting as an expedition support vehicle, which will also give the X-Trail an opportunity to prove its adventure credentials on some of Africa’s highways.

“The Navara is a wonderful evolution of the Nissan pick-up legacy,” says Nissan Africa marketing director Stefan Haasbroek, “and this trip will show our customers and fans exactly that in real life, real-time situations as we celebrate the best that Africa has to offer.”

The vehicle is not just tropicalised for the African market, it literally has been built for market conditions, with a reinforced chassis a very different suspension and the best roll over angle in the market. “It literally is built of more,” he says.

Africa is a vital market for Nissan, says Eldessouky. The continent is regarded as the world’s last remaining automotive frontier because of the low level of vehicle ownership, which Nissan is well placed to serve through its unique manufacturing footprint in Egypt and South Africa and its wide range of mobility solutions.

“We believe in Africa, and we believe in this continent’s potential,” says Eldessouky. “Our mantra for the region is Let’s Build’ and this expedition really is proof positive of that and the opportunity that the AfCFTA holds for all of us.”

After a brief hiatus, the trailblazing boy group synonymous with the Gengetone movement is back and stronger than ever. Ethic Entertainment, known for revolutionizing the Kenyan music scene, reignite the airwaves with their highly anticipated comeback track, "Amigos."

"Amigos" marks a pivotal moment for Ethic Entertainment as they reclaim their position at the forefront of the Gengetone genre. The track not only signifies their return but also showcases their evolution as artists while staying true to their signature style that has captivated audiences worldwide.

This is a vibrant song that captures the essence of daily life among friends and colleagues. It explores their shared experiences, celebrations, and the natural dynamics of their social interactions.

Produced by acclaimed Nigerian producer, Wondamagik, "Amigos" boasts a dynamic fusion of infectious beats and catchy melodies, setting the stage for a chart-topping hit. With Wondamagik's expert touch and Ethic’s unmatched talent, the track promises to be a game-changer.

"We're thrilled to be back and sharing our new music with our fans," says Dennis, manager for Ethic Entertainment. "This track is a testament to our journey and the unwavering support of our loyal fans. 'Amigos' is just the beginning of what's to come from Ethic Entertainment"

As pioneers of the Gengetone movement, they continue to push boundaries and redefine the sound of Kenyan music. With "Amigos," they invite listeners to join them on a journey filled with energy, creativity, and the unmistakable spirit of Gengetone.

"Amigos" by Ethic Entertainment is available on all major streaming platforms. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking comeback from the group that started it all.

What’s Next for the Group

Amigos introduces a fusion of gengetone with other genres, showcasing Ethic's trailblazing style. Expect a series of exciting new tracks, different sounds while keeping it to the core of what has made Ethic such an enigma in the Kenyan music scene.

Chart-topping Nigerian music sensation, Kizz Daniel has released a brand new music project titled ‘Thankz Alot’, showing his loyal fanbase gratitude. The highly anticipated EP, comprising four tracks, is a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the unwavering support from his fans throughout his illustrious career spanning a decade.

Since the EP’s unveiling, it has received massive love and overwhelmingly positive response across East Africa and the rest of the globe. Kizz Daniel expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am incredibly grateful for the love and support I have received from my fans throughout my career. 'Thankz Alot’ is my way of expressing my appreciation and giving back to them for their unwavering support."

‘Thankz Alot’ EP features four soulful tracks, each showcasing Kizz Daniel's versatility and unique musical style. The tracks include “Sooner”, “Showa”, “Too Busy to Be Bae” and “Twe Twe”. It’s worth mentioning that the “Twe Twe” remix featuring Afrobeats sensation, Davido, has added an extra layer of excitement to the EP. 

Watch “Twe Twe” - Kizz Daniel & Davido: https://youtu.be/041PlAGNMsQ?si=JHNie1FBKgl1h7Gz

Watch “Too Busy To Be Bae” - Kizz Daniel: https://youtu.be/0RPzLGxepxg?si=8Yp5FVtHdOjKPUwT 

Kizz Daniel, known for his dynamic sound and captivating performances, aims to connect even deeper with his audience through this EP, which serves as a token of his gratitude. The EP's title, ‘Thankz Alot’, reflects Kizz Daniel's sincere appreciation for the love and support he has received from his fans worldwide.

From dancing with the mother of his kids on his Instagram page to changing his Instagram photos to his wife and kid recently, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe popularly known as Kizz Daniel has gone public with his family with the release of his new EP. ‘Thankz Alot’ serves as a testament to his continued dedication to his craft and his gratitude towards his fans and follows the success of his 2023 album ‘Maverick’, which garnered widespread acclaim.

Kizz Daniel is no stranger to delivering chart-topping hits. His versatility and ability to connect with audiences across the globe has made him one of Africa’s most successful artists. 2024 is set to be a thrilling year as the king of back to back hits is back with a new trendy EP. ‘Thankz Alot’ is available for streaming on all digital platforms.

Jordi Vila, currently Nissan Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales Europe has been appointed as President Nissan Africa, as DVP. Joni Paiva, currently Nissan Africa President & India Sales & Marketing DVP returns to the Renault group.

Vila is a 30-year Nissan veteran with extensive experience sales and marketing in leading roles both at regional headquarters and markets, including among others Nissan Netherlands and Nissan Nordics, as well as Sales and Network Operations for Nissan in Europe.

Prior to this appointment, he was Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales for Nissan Europe, and before that he was leading Asia and Oceania region as Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing.

He said he was looking forward to his new appointment.

“Africa is an important and strategic market for Nissan and presents many opportunities in the years to come,” he said. “We have a strong local presence and I’m sure we will continue to harness that expertise to deliver exceptional products and services for our African customers.”

Paiva is leaving Nissan after 11 years with the company, which has included strategic roles in North America and latterly Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania region where he played an instrumental role. Under his leadership, multiple new models were successfully launched across the region including Magnite and the iconic Patrol. Paiva is returning to the Renault group, where he was before joining Nissan.

Reflecting on his time overseeing Africa for Nissan, Paiva paid tribute to the management of Nissan Africa for their skillful handling of different challenges across the continent in the last year. The continent, he said, held a very special place in his heart and in Nissan’s strategies as it was the world’s last great automotive frontier.

“Nissan Africa is now well positioned with a solid organization and a clear brand strategy, underpinned by a unified product line up for the entire continent. Nissan is ready to capture the continent’s growth being the only OEM with a strong industrial footprint with fully owned manufacturing plants in Egypt and South Africa, as well as assembly operations in Ghana and Nigeria” he added.

Next week, Nissan Africa will be launching Daring Africa 2024; an eight-country odyssey comprising five Navaras and a Nissan X-Trail, from the home of the Navara in South Africa to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Kenya, later ending in Egypt.

The epic adventure will showcase both the Navara’s capabilities and Nissan’s African partners in the individual markets, while linking the assembly plants in Rosslyn and Cairo, ahead of the Navara’s introduction to the Egyptian market.

Journalists across the country have been urged by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to embrace technology and monetize their content.

Media Council of Kenya Director of media training and development Victor Bwire said time has come to phase out media practitioners depending on brown envelops from their sources to sustain their lives.

Bwire was speaking in Mombasa during the launch of Mombasa Press Club, the third in the region after MCK recently launched the Kilifi and Kwale press clubs.

“We need to be engaging in a professional manner, we cannot be members of the fourth estate who follow people for brown envelops,” said Bwire.

He said through the press clubs and media hubs being launched by MCK, they intend to train journalist on how to monetize their content to help them make money in a dignified and professional manner through working on content and selling.

“The biggest business for any journalist is content. “If you don’t sell what you produce, where do you expect to get money?”

"We must look at selling the item you are trained to produce which is news,” he said.

So far, MCK has opened 13 press clubs since last year with four media hubs. Mombasa is also set to acquire a media hub to bring the total of media hubs to five.

Kenya he said is considered to have one of the most highly trained journalists in the world with an average age of 24 years, competing with the likes of Nigeria and South Africa in the continent.

"We have so many Kenyan journalist making good money selling content at the international level,” he said.

He further called for unity among journalists as he emphasized on the need to work together to hep each other grow.

The chief guest at the event, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir urged the media fraternity to be patriotic and sell their counties in their stories.

“We have had our challenges and achievements as a county. It will not be a bad idea to sell our counties as we do our stories,” said Nassir.

He added that the media is the mirror of the society, and as such it will be paramount to give it a clear wipe so that people can be able to see themselves clearly through it.

Mombasa deputy governor Francis Thoya on his part challenged journalists to entrench professionalism calling for indepth analysis and being factual in reporting stories.

He lauded the formation of press clubs and media hubs saying that this will bring journalist together to have shared values.

"I used to talk about problems facing Mombasa through my pen when I was a journalist. Many years later, I now seat on the side of those supposed to provide solutions to these problems”

“Be factual in your reporting and do thorough research,” said thoya.

He further challenged journalists to focus on human interest stories catalyzing change in the society.

"Ask yourselves this question, how is the news we are writing impacting the community?” Thoya posed.

Kenya Maritime Authority board of directors chairman Hamisi Mwaguya reiterated the need for professionalism as he pledged the support of KMA in covering Blue Economy and Maritime affairs stories.

"You to be professional in your discharge of duties. I assure you that we (KMA) shall work with you in your endeavor to entrench professionalism in media practice in Mombasa.”

Also present during the launch was SwahiliPot Hub founder and chief mentor Mahmoud Noor who emphasized the need for journalists to embrace new technology.

He said that failure to do so, one will be locked out of many opportunities in the ever evolving world of technology..

Noor said that journalists also need to be self-sustained for them to be able to be fair, truthful, be independent and earn the trust of wananchi as they discharge their duties.

“The biggest challenge is when people are hustling not knowing how they will survive the next day and there is somebody trying to convince them to write a story in their favor to earn something”

"That is why the press club is very important to look at the welfare of its members. Once we are able to empower journalists through the press club, then it means independence will come,” he said.

Passengers flying Skyward express from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Moi International airport will now choose between a morning and an evening flight, as the airline doubles its flights to the Coastal city of Mombasa.

The two flights per day which will start at the end of March will boost the number of visitors visiting Mombasa, especially for local tourism and business.

The flight from JKIA will be departing at 0700hrs and arrive in Mombasa at 0800hrs, the Mombasa flight will be departing at 0845hrs and arrive in Nairobi at 0945hrs.

"Our Customers will pay as low as 7,600 which is the cheapest rate in that route" reads a statement from Skyward.

Mombasa is set to get an international FIFA standard stadium that will be constructed by the national government.

This was revealed by the Cabinet Secretary for sports Ababu Namwamba who said that Mombasa and the entire coast region is a hot-bed for talents especially football, and as such deserves an international stadium.

He was speaking in Mombasa as he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of renovation works worth Sh300 million for KPA Mbaraki Stadium that plays host to Bandari Football Club representing the region in the national top-tier league, the Kenya Premier League (KPL).

The team is being sponsored by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

“Mombasa and the coast region remains a hotbed of talents. The region produced the best goalkeeper Mohammed Abbas who up to date retains the ‘Kenya 1’ title,”

"We recognize the region as a source of talents for football and other fields of sports,” said Namwamba.

The government he said has put aside Sh250 million for the works expected to be completed in six months’ time.

The stadium sits on a three acre parcel of land within Mombasa town, less than a kilometer away from the Likoni Ferry channel leading to the port of Mombasa.

The work he said will be done in three phases with phase one entailing the installation of a racing track.

Phase two will entail working on the pitch and phase three and four will involve working on the terraces and setting up of a pavilion respectively.

“Through good plans that we have in place, we will make this is a success. I want to assure KPA that we shall combine resources and work together” he said.

He lauded KPA for the good work it has been doing in nurturing sports in the region owing to the success that the authority’s football, basketball and volleyball teams for men, women and the youth have heard in recent past both in local and continental showpieces.

The CS further said that plans were also in place to look in to the completion of renovation works for the Mombasa Municipal Stadium that has stalled for the last 11 years since works begun.

The stadium has been out of use since then with renovation works to uplift it to FIFA standards expected to be over Sh1.2 billion.

He added that the government was also planning to set up stadiums in each of the six coastal counties.

"We want to improves fields and sports as a whole across all the counties in Kenya. Through the Talanta Hela project, we want to see money trickling into the pockets of our sportsmen and women and we want to see the benefits of this trickling down to all counties,” Namwamba said.

KPA General Manager Operations Dr. Sudi Mwasinago who was representing the KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said that sports organization within the region need to come together to support the initiative.

He said that by coming together, they will be able to create a vibrant sports ecosystem that natures talents, promotes healthy competition and instills a sense of national pride.

"The upgrading of KPA Mbaraki Stadium is a testament to our collective dedication to excellence and I believe in the power of sports to unite us and inspire future generations,” said Mwasinago.