World Bank Vice President for Africa Hafez Ghanem has assured of the Bretton Woods institution’s support for Kenya’s Big 4 development blueprint.

Mr Ghanem singled out the provision of affordable healthcare as an area that his organization is keen on collaborating with the Government to ensure its success.

“The World Bank is committed to supporting Kenya in advancing the Big 4 Agenda both in technical and financial cooperation,” Mr Ghanem said.

The World Bank VP was speaking today when he paid a courtesy call on President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

President Kenyatta praised the collaboration between his administration and the World Bank, saying the partnership has seen implementation of projects that have impacted positively on the lives of Kenyans.

President Kenyatta and Mr Ghanem also discussed the World Bank’s Development Policy Operations (DPO), infrastructure, climate smart agriculture and digital economy.

On infrastructure in the Horn of Africa, President Kenyatta and Mr Ghanem agreed on the need scale up implementation of projects that will help resettle Somali refugees back in their country.

They said the infrastructure projects will also boost security in Somalia.

“I am very keen on those projects because they will not only serve to ensure security but they are also a development tool,” the President noted.

The Head of State urged the World Bank not to loosen its grip on the various development projects earmarked for the Horn of Africa region saying despite recorded challenges in some countries, the need for the interventions still exists.

On the digital economy, the World Bank Vice President commended Kenya for taking the lead in the East African region.

He said the World Bank is working on a programme to develop a digital market in East Africa that will start with Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda but later expand to the other countries in the region.

The meeting was attended by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and Work Bank Country Director for Kenya Carlos Felipe Jaramillo among others.

The Adelle Onyango Initiative has partnered with Grow with Google, a digital course for anyone who wants to grow their online business acumen.

Adelle Onyango believes that the course, which is free, is important not only for the youth but also for all and sundry, especially in this digital age.

"We're currently having conversations about the skill gap and whether youth in Africa are well equipped with relevant skills needed in present day!" she said

Adding "Together with Grow with Google we've created access to free courses that can help young people get digital skills for free!" 

The initiative's move to partner with Google in this progressive venture is a golden opportunity for the youth.

 "When it comes to digital skills Google are pioneers in this and the Grow with Google platform breaks down these skills in brilliant modules that are easy to understand!"

Adelle continued, "Well the initiative has 4300 youth members but also it's the first opportunity we have that young people outside of Nairobi or even Africa can access." 

The course can be accessed via this link https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalskills?gpid=2486272

The country today woke up to the sad news of the demise of Safaricom Chief executive officer (CEO) Bob Collymore.

According to a statement from the company the C.E.O succumbed to cancer at his home Monday morning.

"He has been undergoing treatment for his condition since then in different hospitals and most recently at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. In recent weeks, his condition worsened and he succumbed to the cancer at his home in the early hours of Monday," Safaricom chairman Nicholas Ng'ang'a said in a statement.

He leaves behind a wife and four children. On May this year he was appointed as a Board member for the National cancer institute.

Following the death, several local celebrities who have been working closely with him took to social media to mourn him.

"There are CEOs and there are leaders of Men...Bob led a team of brilliant visionaries and thats where his strength lay..for the advice, words of wisdom and for the opportunities , I say asante...rest well Bob..you ran a race, did it on your own terms and made a serious difference!. "Success is nothing if you dont have a successor "- Myles Munroe " posted Maina Kageni

"I feel shaken. Rest Rafiki #RIP Bob" posted Julie Gichuru.

King Kaka posted "Rest Bob. Tutaonana baadae".

On his part Nameless posted "Sad to hear this. Rest in peace Bob.

Pascal Tokodi posted " I'm grateful for the opportunities sir...my hearfelt condolences to the family , God rest his soul"

"Go well, my Brother and my friend. Rest with the angels. You ran a good race and you made a CHANGE!..#RIPBobCollymore" posted Jeff Koinange

Kalekye Mumo posted "Rest in power Bob Collymore. Your leadership and impact will never be forgotten. My prayers and condolences to your family both at home an safaricom.

"Sad news!. Safaricom poleni kuweni na subra. Tuko pamoja" posted Redsan

Civil society groups in Mombasa have raised concern over a trip by members of the county assembly (Mombasa) to Egypt to benchmark on the ongoing Africa cup of nations (AFCON).

According to the rights groups namely  Haki Africa, Human Rights Agenda (HURIA), Manyatta youth entertainment CBO and Pwani Social Justice Centres working group, the trip by the MCAs is a waste of public resources.

They are now calling on the Director of public prosecutions (DPP), the Ethics and anti corruption commission (EACC) and the Director of criminal investigations (DCI) to intervene.

''Social media is rife with pictures of Mombasa MCAs posing with belly dancers in Egypt. The trip has been fully paid for by tax payers to allow the MCAs to benchmark the Africa cup of nations (AFCON)" reads a statement from the group.

Those said to have gone for the trip are , Fadhil Makarani (Port Reitz), Ali Shariff (Tononoka), Abrar Omar (Kongowea), Fahad Kassim (Mjambere), Charles Kitula (Frere Town), Athman Shebe (Jomvu), Ahmed Hamisi Nyundo (Majengo), Mwalimu Mbushe (Shika Adabu) and Tobias Samba (Tudor).

"

A total of 3,000 title deeds lie uncollected at the Mombasa lands office, Lands Cabinet Secretary Farida Keroney.

Speaking at the Frere Town grounds while issuing out title deeds to members of the Bombolulu and V.O.K squatters schemes, the CS called those who had applied for their title deeds to go to the Lands office and collect them.

The CS cautioned the beneficiaries against selling their title deeds.

On his part area MP Mohammed Ali vowed to work with the government in solving  the land problem in his constituency.

A total of 338 title deeds were issued out . The event was also attended by Lands Chief Administrative Secretary Gideon Mng'aro, Kaloleni MP Paul Katana among other leaders.

Following last night Harambee stars 3- 2 win against it's neighbours Tanzania, Taifa stars, Kenyans led by leaders and local celebrities took to social media to celebrate the win.

In the match Kenya twice came from behind to draw 2-2 before Olunga scored the winner with a swiftly executed counter attack.

Tanzania's Captain Mbwana Samatta and Salmon Msuva netted for Tanzania, who have never won a Cup of Nations match in two appearances spanning 39 years.

Kenya will now need to pick at least a point against Senegal in the final match of the group on Monday to remain in Egypt for the round of 16.

The results excited Kenyans who as the norm also went ahead to create memes making fun of Tanzania.

On his part Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho decided to advise Tanzanians to now rally their support behind Kenya as their good neighbours,

Tanzanian R&B king Juma Jux strikes yet again with another serenading release SUMAKU featuring celebrated East African Pop diva and his ex girlfriend Vanessa Mdee.

The S2Kizzy produced-track is his second release this year and the lead single off his upcoming debut studio project, “The Love Album”.

The love jam comes on the backdrop of Jux and Vanessa 2016 collaboration “Juu”. Just like the title (Sumaku is Swahili for Magnet), the R&B song is an attractive yet infectious sound. 

Speaking ahead of the new release Jux says, “SUMAKU is the lead single off my upcoming debut album and it’s my pleasure to collaborate with Queen Vanessa once again in this song that speaks of the irresistible attraction and magic of love between committed partners. 

Adding, “My fans should expect an album full of many flavors and sounds. I have been working tirelessly to give you all round exciting, fun and entertaining project. Look out for the release date soon.”

Juma’s highly anticipated star-studded album will crown an already stellar year for the R&B king.

Jux kicked off the year in style stirring the airwaves with the riveting serenade, “Incase You Don’t Know” featuring legendary Kenyan artist Nyashinski.

He also marked his debut on Africa’s biggest collaborative music show, Coke Studio Africa 2019 in February performing alongside Mozambique’s Shellsy Baronet.

Tanzania’s top bongo R&B sensation Juma Jux has an impeccable style and sound, with his top charting his songs including “Fimbo”,” Zaidi”, “Utaniua”, “Zaidi” and “Wivu”, among others.

He balances a career in music and business as the CEO and Founder of renowned fashion brand: African Boy. In 2015, he bagged an award for Best R&B song at Kili Music Awards (Tanzania).

2018 saw him orchestrate one of Tanzania’s biggest independent tours ‘In Love with Money’ alongside East African Pop Queen: Vanessa Mdee.

International Hip Hop DJ and Music Producer Ms Cosmo hosts mzansi’s league of rappers for a house party in the visual offering of her current single – 88.

Shot in Soweto with a retro old skool theme, Ms Cosmo takes us back in time to party with the school of 88! Fun, high energized scenes in the video showcase Ms Cosmo together with friends at her Birthday party, where she also debuts her singing talent.

Shot and directed by Ofentswe “UncleScrootch” Mwase, the 88 music video playfully tells a a story from the late 1980’s by cleverly using candy coloured themes and popular video games from the era.

Kwesta, Solo and Kid X also join Ms Cosmo at her party as well as in the 88 school halls where she delivers a catchy bridge and sing-along chorus.

88 is the 3rd single offering from the poweress Ms Cosmo, which was released in December 2018 and is currently still available on all digital platforms.

The Port of Mombasa has received the biggest bulk carrier vessel in its history following the maiden arrival of MV Lowlands Mimosa.

The ship docked at Berth No. 9 at the Port on Saturday, June 22,2019 with 50,500 metric tons of fertilizer for the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA).

Speaking while presenting a certificate of first call to the ship’s master , Capt. Melecio D. Gandeza, on behalf of the Managing Director, KPA’s Head of Conventional Cargo Operations Mr. Paul Bor said the Port will continue investing in expansion programmes to be able to handle bigger vessels.

Nigerian superstar Omawumi real name Omawumi Megbele is currently in the country on a media tour,to promote both her new song 'Without You' and her latest album 'In Her Feelings', which was released on June 14.

During her visit to Kenya Omawumi famous for the Mortein World Malaria Day theme song will dine with select women courtesy of Mdundo Ltd.

Omawumi who is also an actress recently starred in EbonyLife Films' new movie, “Oloture”, which chronicles the experiences of commercial sex workers in Nigeria as well as human trafficking.

Well, Ommy Dallah managed to have an interview with her where she revealed much including her relationship with Yemi Alade and working with Kenyan artists.