Renowned Kenyan artist King Kaka is thrilled to release his latest song, "BESHTE YANGU", coinciding with the significant occasion of World Population Day. Developed in collaboration with UNESCO, the song delivers a powerful message on Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness.

The highly anticipated launch will take place at the University of Nairobi, bringing together students from University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Training College, faculty members, and the wider community to celebrate the importance of investing in youth education, health, and well-being to build a sustainable future for both individuals and societies.

King Kaka declared: "I am proud to promote Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness! This song is important for all young people on the continent. We all need a 'BESHTE YANGU' when facing life's challenges, and this song is an appeal to support each other and show solidarity. The song is in Kiswahili, but it is designed to appeal to all young people as it is showcasing challenges, we could all face. Listening to each other and asking for help is an important part of the solution. And it is okay not to be okay men."

Young people in Sub-Saharan Africa face significant challenges, including high school dropout rates, new HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and early and unintended pregnancies (EUPs).

In Kenya, with a population of 47.5 million, addressing the Sexual and Reproductive Health needs of its 7.9 million young people aged 15-24 remains a pressing issue.

184 000 young individuals in this age group are living with HIV, with 17 000 new infections occurring each year. Negative Sexual and Reproductive Health outcomes, such as unintended pregnancies and violence, disrupt the well-being of students, limiting their potential.

In response to these challenges, the University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Training College, and UNESCO have joined forces through the O3 Plus project, which aims to increase knowledge about HIV, unplanned pregnancies, mental health, and gender-based violence.

The project emphasizes social accountability, supports health education, creates an enabling policy environment, and advocates for zero tolerance of harassment and violence.

O3 Plus is being implemented across the University of Nairobi's 10 campuses and 3 Kenya Medical Training College campuses, prioritizing student well-being and fostering a safe environment for all.

Commenting on the song, Prof Iribe Mwangi, the Chairman of the Department of Kiswahili at the University of Nairobi said, "I am very happy that this song by King Kaka, 'Beshte Yangu', is launched on this important World Population Day and is in Kiswahili which is now one of the official languages of the African Union. It is a sweet and educational song, especially for young people in relation to positive masculinity, mental health, and HIV. It is my hope that apart from having fun, young people will understand the educational message intended by the artist." 

"BESHTE YANGU" will undoubtedly captivate audiences with its powerful message and infectious rhythms. By launching the song on World Population Day, King Kaka, in collaboration with UNESCO, aims to ignite a deeper appreciation of the importance of young people’s Education for Health and Well-being in the continent, while inspiring the youth audience to reach their full potential.

Police hurled teargas canisters to disperse a group of Anti-government protesters who had staged demonstration along Moi Avenue in  Mombasa county.

The protesters led by Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki, Women representative Zamzam  Mohamed,  Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib  and Kisauni Mp Rashid Bedzimba were thwarted by police who had blocked them from accessing the Nkhruma Road towards the county commissioner’s office

The running battles between Mombasa legislators and activists who had joined other protestors ensued for more than two hours bringing to a standstill normal operation at the Mombasa central business district.

Those who spoke to spoke to the media accused the government for sitting pretty while Kenyans continue to bear the brunt of high cost of living.

"Kenyans are suffering and we can't sit and watch the government continue to hike prices of fuel and not addressing the cost of living, people are living on hand to mouth, this cannot continue," said Mombasa Women representative  Zamzam Mohamed.

The demonstration saw Telecommunications giants Safaricom and Airtel, Telcom,NCBA Bank DIB bank , diamond trust bank both located at the Moi avenue shut doors as police engaged on a cat and mouse game with protesters.

Three protesters were arrested among them former nominated MCA for inciting youth to take part in the protests.

Other businesses affected include Royal castle Hotel, motor vehicle showrooms  located  within Mombasa central business district CBD were also closed for the better part of the day due to the anti-government protests.

"We are now operating on loss, customers stayed away from the businesses because of demonstration. We cannot open our showrooms, ,we don't want a situation where our cars will be destroyed  by demonstrators," said Fadhil Mohamed Fadhil a car dealer at  Moi avenue street.

Transport operators has also packed their vehicles in solidarity but their protest only lasted for few hours before normal operations resumed in the city.

Matatu operators who plied the Mombasa town route decried small number of passengers as a majority of residents opted to stay at home.

"Very little passengers today because people have decided to stay at home. They fear that they will be caught up in the melee," said one of matatu conductors operating along Mtwapa route.

Over 30 journalists in the coastal region based in Malindi, Kilifi and Mombasa underwent  Mental Health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in relation to the coverage of the Shakahola Mass Graves in Kilifi County.

The journalists drawn from over 13 local and international media houses were sensitized on integration on mental health and psychosocial support services within the media landscape.

Kenya Red Cross’ MHPSS team facilitated psychological debrief sessions for the journalists who were on the frontline coverage of the Shakahola saga as well as interacting with the data from the said turn of events.

The three day sensitization forum saw members of the Ministry of Health Kilfii County MHPSS focal person take the journalists through the positive coping strategies and questions and answer sessions.

"We realised that journalists based in the coastal region have covered several newsworthy stories that range from crime to terror attacks in places like Mpeketoni as well as communal clashes especially in Tana River. We as Kenya Red cross felt necessary to hold this mental awareness session to ensure that their well being is well taken care of.said Venant Ndighila Red Cross Emergency response manager.

On his part John Kimura, a Nursing Psychologist noted "The journalists were among the first people to visit the scene and see the gory images. But they had never had any debrief sessions. We look forward to ensuring that we reach out to journalists all over the country."

On their hand the journalists agreed to champion for stories that will create mental health awareness not only at county level but also at national level.

The Shakahola Operation has entered the third month with the number of bodies found at 336.

As the team of exhumers and forensics from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations continue with the operation Kenya Red Cross continues to be a key player in the multiagency operation taking lead and search and rescue, restoring family links and offering psychosocial support.

The fourth phase of exhumations commences this week with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure expected to kick off the exercise.

In the latest episode of Connecting Africa, CNN International’s Eleni Giokos visits Nairobi to see the role technology can play in boosting trade opportunities across the continent.

Known by some as the Silicon Savannah, Nairobi is becoming an increasingly important player in the international tech scene.

Giokos meets with Irene Kiwia, co-founder of Adanian Labs, who explains what her company does, “We are a technology company, a pan-African technology company, and what founded us was our mission to activate the tech revolution on the continent by making sure that Africans are active participants in the fourth industrial revolution. We invest in tech startups.”

Kiwia says that Africa has a strong advantage because of the number of talented young people on the continent.

“The good thing about Africa, Kenya, and sub-Saharan Africa is that it’s a young continent.” She says.

Adding “Technology allows us to leapfrog things in a way that we are not able to do before. If we look at the African history, we missed the industrial revolution. We've missed a couple of things, but for the first time ever, we have a technology revolution, where we are able to create impact and change the status quo of this continent. And the young people are the people who are going to do that.”

Looking to the future, Kiwia talks about the need to digitise small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), “Kenya is becoming a hub of tech for the continent. The future is absolutely exciting, we are building the largest tech company on this continent. And by largest, I mean in terms of the impact that we will create across sectors. But also, the fact that our aim is to digitise the SME eco-systems and build a connected Africa, a borderless Africa.”

Next, Giokos sees how trail-blazing technology from Nairobi is helping to alleviate the consequences of climate change in some of the continent’s driest regions. Dr. Guyo Malicha Roba is passionate about data, and he uses it to mitigate the effects of droughts and food shortages across the Horn of Africa.

He tells CNN, “Government don't have enough resources. Neither do they have the right data to act in time. And that time in this question, is still a very big question in that space. The resource question is another question that is up there. So, data and resources are constant issues in this.”

As the head of the Jameel Observatory, Dr. Roba is working on projects to combat drought across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

He explains how technology has changed the research, “I think technology is very important, especially when you are looking at the forecasting, building scenarios around the weather and weather patterns. I think that is where our colleagues at the University of Edinburgh, which is the leader of the project, are bringing a huge part of the observation, artificial intelligence, the big data and all these things, especially for Somalia, where collecting data and preparing is difficult.”

He continues, “The observatory is sort of like a research project, what to try, what to call, brokering knowledge, science, and connecting different dots to make sure how do we do this thing early enough before the droughts reach emergency.”

This month’s programme also meets tech leaders at GITEX Africa in Morocco and speaks to the CEO of the Botswana Institute for Technology, Research, and Innovation.

Maryanne Imani, a fast rising minister in the gospel industry, has unveiled her latest musical masterpiece, "Lord Reign."

The soul-stirring track serves as a powerful reminder that amidst life's challenges, there is hope for liberation and a renewed sense of purpose.

The release of "Lord Reign" marks a significant milestone in Maryanne's career, as she shares her personal journey of overcoming obstacles and finding solace in the embrace of her faith.

The journey of an artist in the gospel industry can be demanding, and Maryanne Imani openly expressed her internal struggle with the weight of her responsibilities.

Contemplating whether the sacrifices were worth it, she yearned for a simpler life where she could be a "normal Christian" without the burdens of her calling.

However, Maryanne recognized the need to return to the "school of the Lord," as depicted in Mercy Masika's song, "Shule Yako." Seeking divine guidance, she humbled herself and embraced a period of introspection, eager to learn and be equipped for the journey ahead.

During a particularly challenging period while carrying her last child, Maryanne faced numerous complications that pushed her to the limits of her endurance.

It was in the midst of this turmoil that she birthed the powerful song "Lord Reign." As the lyrics eloquently portray her unwavering faith and reliance on prayer, the profound experiences she underwent during her pregnancy inspired her to share a message of resilience and hope.

"Chains Are Breaking," the climactic line in "Lord Reign," symbolizes the transformative breakthrough Maryanne experienced in her life. It signified a season of renewal, growth, and newfound clarity. Empowered by her faith, she emerges from the shadows of her past, ready to step back into the recording studio and bless audiences with her music once again.

Watch : https://youtu.be/nL4yt-b8p1Q 

The accompanying music video for "Lord Reign" transcends the boundaries of art and reality. Inspired by the diverse struggles faced by individuals in contemporary society, Maryanne intertwines authentic, relatable situations into her visuals.

Through the song and its visuals, she aims to inspire viewers to break free from any form of bondage, drawing from the eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died to grant humanity freedom.

Maryanne Imani's "Lord Reign" is a testament to her resilience, unwavering faith, and dedication to uplifting the spirits of others through her music.

With its powerful message and captivating melodies, the song promises to touch the hearts of listeners from all walks of life.

As she returns to the studio, Maryanne continues to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to her calling and her desire to be a source of encouragement to those who face challenges and seek a path to freedom.

Kaka Empire Limited is pleased to share some exciting updates and future plans that will shape the company's journey towards greater success.

Under the leadership of Dennis Njenga, Managing Director and Talent Manager, the company has achieved significant milestones in the past year.

Mr. Njenga's visionary approach and dedication have played a pivotal role in expanding Kaka Empire's influence across various entertainment domains.

As part of our commitment to delivering outstanding entertainment experiences, we are thrilled to announce the following:

Femi One-Enriching Audiences Nationwide:  Femi One Continues to captivate fans across the nation with her enthralling performances. Over the past few weeks, she has graced stages in Nakuru, Naivasha and Nairobi.

Her journey continues with an inspiring campus tour, starting with KCA Univerisity on June 30th and Zetech University on July 7th.

The Objective of these visiits is to mentor and engage students on pertinent issues they face. Additionally, Femi One wil conduct a talent search, offering the winner a remarkable opportunity to collaborate with her. 

King Kaka- Transforming Lives One School at a Time: Driven by a mission to effect positive change, King Kaka has embarked on a tranformative endeavour, visiting 55 high schools and 45 campuses/collages nationwide.

Recently, he had the privilledge of mentoring students at Mugoiya High School in Kiambu County.

His upcoming stops include KCA University on June 29th and Zetech University on July 6th, with plans to visit more schools in the following weeks. 

Jadi- Uniting forces and Forging Ahead: Jadi will be joining King Kaka and Femi One on the respective tours, amplifying their collective impact.

Furthermore, they are dilligently finalizing their inaugural studio album, poised to showcase their creative brilliance. 

Dennis Njenga expressed his enthusiasm about the company's future endeavors, stating, "We are thrilled to embark on this exciting phase of growth and innovation. Our goal is to revolutionize the entertainment industry in East Africa and provide unparalleled opportunities for artists to shine on both regional and global stages."

Education cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu has announced a new plan to fund public schools and end the delay of capitation funds in the country.

Machogu said the government will abandon the old quarterly disbursement system and adopt the ratio of 50:30:20 for the first, second and third terms respectively.

“From this year onwards, capitation will be disbursed in the ratio of 50:30:20, for the first, second and third terms respectively. We will move away from the current quarterly system. This change will ensure a more equitable distribution of funds throughout the year, empowering schools to plan and utilize resources more efficiently,” said Machogu.

He was speaking during the 46 th annual Kenya secondary schools Heads Association (KESSHA) conference bringing together over 7,000 school heads and exhibitors in Mombasa on Wednesday. 

The secondary school principals had demanded the government to increase capitation funding from sh 22,244 to 30,000 per child so as to meet the cost of operations.

KESSHA Chairman Kahi Indimuli noted that operations in majority of schools were badly affected after the government failed to release the capitation money in time.

He said some of the institutions depend entirely on the capitation for their day to day activities, this being unable to charge anymore has really affected schools when capitation delays.

The school heads had decried budget constraints posed by the rising high cost of living, that has made survival unbearable. Currently, the budget implementation is evidently playing out in a tight fiscal space occasioned by the global economic crisis.

"We need to realize that some of the commodities have gone up and they are not able to meet the cost,” said Indimuli.A bag of 90 kg of beans now goes for ksh16,000 which is very expensive according to the teachers." said Kahi

In response the cabinet secretary said the ministry is working to diligently streamline the disbursement systems, by employing advanced technologies and automated processes to expedite the flow of funds.

At the same time the cabinet secretary further cautioned the school head against mismanagement of the allocated resources. He called on education managers to exercise prudence in the management of the resources that are at their disposal.

“To exercise prudence in the management of the limited resources that are at their disposal. I wish to urge all of you to strictly adhere to public finance management practices while utilizing funds that are allocated to the schools by the government and parents,” added the cabinet secretary.

The cabinet secretary further asked the principals to familiarize themselves with the Public Finance Management Act 2012 and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015 so as to overcome the weak links in resource utilization in our schools.

Machogu said in the next financial year, the education ministry will hire more 24,000 teachers to deal with the current teacher deficit.

Machogu said the government is committed to bring credibility in exams by eradicating exam leakages ahead of the oncoming national exams.

“In the outgoing Financial Year, we have employed 36,000 new teachers. In the next Financial Year, we will hire an additional 24,000teachers. It is crucial that we deploy these teachers in our schools in a manner that reflects equity,” he added.

The Mombasa county Government is planning to establish it's own youth service.

Fashioned after the National Youth Service (NYS), the Mombasa youth service (MYS) will include technical training with recruits set to be engaged in manual and skilled labour activities across the county.

Speaking in Changamwe while issuing out bursaries amounting to ksh 63.7 million , Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the aim of program is to ensure that youths from the county have access to relevant education, training and employment opportunities.

"Our coming budget will be a people centered budget, we have several projects and programs directly targeting our youth and residents in general" said Nassir

Adding "Among the programs or plans is the establishment of the Mombasa youth service, our county will be the first county in the country to come up with the program. In this program just like with the National youth service, our youths will be instilled discipline, personal fitness and different skills which will help them secure jobs through the airlift program".

The county boss exuded confident that Members of the county assembly will pass the budget.

Nassir charged "I want to live a legacy, a legacy that will be remembered with the generations to come that I helped in improving the lives of our people, and this will be achieved through the different programs like the NHIF comprehensive cover, school feeding program, holidays motivational scheme among others, all found in the budget"

Nassir further revealed that the county government is planning to construct two rehabilitation centres within the county to help youths recovering from drug abuse.