South African Amapiano Super Producer, De Mthuda, is on track with his first release of 2024 sharing the music video of “Muntu Wam”.

The new release is a smooth Amapiano cocktail brewed by De Mthuda alongside Kabza De Small and Da Muziqal Chef.

The video sees De Mthuda whisking his bae to a beautiful private villa as he goes on to profess his love with a series of romantic gestures. While this story unfolds, viewers are treated to collaborators, Sino Msolo and Murumba Pitch’s appearance on site.

Call it strategic timing as it drops while Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, the “John Wick” hitmaker sets up and captures the amorous mood in his latest well-crafted and captivating music video. “Muntu Wam” is directed by Big Shark, who brings a cinematic touch to each scene – adding to the sense of romance in the story on-screen. The video also showcases the beauty of local travel in South Africa and is complemented by a vibrant and colorful wardrobe. 

“Muntu Wam'' is the lead single of his well-received album ‘Baba Yaga’ - that dropped December of 2023 and has already made an impact globally, receiving massive love from fans all over the world with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa popping up as some of the top countries with major album streams.

The success of this new hit single speaks for itself as it has scorched the digital Charts since ‘Baba Yaga’’s release, reaching over 630,000 streams on Spotify and nearly 150,000 on YouTube in less than a month.

STREAM ‘BABA YAGA’ ALBUM

The video for “Muntu Wam” is now available for streaming online and will be premiering across African music television channels. You can be one of the first to watch it by streaming and sharing it today.

Having been born in Samburu Kenya, Dorcas Naito had naturally lived a fish free life. Not because she personally had anything against fish, but most people in her community did.

“They call fish snake! Because of its scales. Most people also just hated the smell. I never ate fish until I moved to Mombasa. I was introduced to  omena and other fish by my neighbor who is a Luo. I loved it. So I do eat it from her house sometimes, she is very kind to always share. I don’t  cook it for my family yet because I  don’t know how to prepare fish,” shares the mother of two based in Kongowea, Karama.

While speaking on the same, Alvin Musyoka shares that he equally doesn’t eat fish due to its unavailability at his home location.

“Fish is one of the most alien foods to me and I honestly  just haven’t tried it. I also am not a fan of the smell. Where I come from, the people there are not fish-eaters, because of course fish is unavailable. The ones people eat are sourced from Athi River. The supply is very limited. Very small demand and all that,” He shares.

When food security is mentioned in Kenya, the first thought and the one that takes the first priority is maize. Overlooking others including Fish, which is a vital source of essential macro- and micronutrients that can play an important role in reducing the high prevalence of undernutrition in Kenya.

Fish are rich in high-quality proteins with high digestibility and essential amino acids, Vitamins soluble in fats, especially vitamin D3, which regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism and insulin level. Minerals such as iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, and calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. And low calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates compared to other animal sources of protein.

While the fishing industry in Kenya contributes to food security, employment and rural development, there is a potential which can help grow the industry and generate even more income for the country if deliberate efforts are made to create an enabling environment for both the public and private investments in the industry.

The Kenyan fisheries mainly comprises of capture fisheries and aquaculture.

The natural fisheries are found mainly in inland water bodies (lakes, rivers, dams), and marine and coastal waters in the Indian Ocean. Fisheries are integral to the society and contributes to economic and social wellbeing of the country.  According to the Kenya economic survey, 2021, the country’s annual fish production is approximately 149,700tonnes valued at Ksh. 26 billion which earns foreign exchange amounting to Ksh. 3billion.

The fish production is distributed as follows; freshwater fisheries-70%, aquaculture-13% and marine fisheries-17%. The annual production from artisanal coastal fisheries in 2021 was 25,380 metric tonnes consisting of demersal 48%, pelagic 25%, sharks and rays 11%, mollusk 10% and crustaceans 8%.

The current per capital consumption of fish is at 4Kgs, whereas the African Continent and the global average is 10Kgs and 20Kgs respectively. Around 2.9 kg of seafood is consumed per person annually in Kenya, of which 0.3 kg is from pelagic species.

Kenya Fisheries Service has been campaigning extensively encouraging Kenyans to eat more fish, adhered towards increasing per capital consumption.

The government of Kenya in 2018 stopped licensing foreign fishing vessels hoping that they would invest a lot in the sector, however this was a mistake due to losses in jobs and revenues through fish licensing.

In April 2023, Kenya announced it will now be progressively implementing its 2016 - 2025 National Fleet Development Plan (IOTC 2023). However, upto date only seven industrial fishing vessels (longliners) have been registered, and only four are active. The Spanish purse-seiners have started applying for fishing permits, however, this is dangerous because it may limit the government from developing our local fleet.

According to John Kareko, Coordinator, NatureCom and member of the Tuna Fisheries Alliance,  poor management of natural resources like rivers and others has affected the industry in terms of fish production. But majorly he attributes the low index to cultural beliefs.

 “For a country like Kenya, we are majority of inland communities, i.e. Turkana, which has a big lake for fish but not eaters of the same, they are pastoralists, they see them as snakes. To get Maasais to keep fish in ponds, you have to convince them of water supply so they can water their cattle. The government need to create a system that supports the consumption of fish."shares the fisheries expert.

Adding "For instance, larger parts of the country have no water body. This means the people there have to either drive or travel a long distance to buy fish, so most of them have developed a culture of living without. And lastly; Food safety and regulations. The government has not done the same for fish as it is for meat, no inspection, handlers have not been trained, the government has not put much efforts in spearheading this regulation,” 

Speaking during a recent workshop which was hosted by South West Indian Ocean TUNA Forum on enhancing awareness and capacity among non-state actors regarding regional and international instruments within the blue economy sectors in the Western Indian Ocean Sectors, Chairman, SWIOTUNA-Hadley Becha, recommended that fish be prioritized through investment as a source of food security.

Adding “We have not looked at fish truly as food security, the ministry as well hasn’t qualified fish in terms of their nutritional value, by relating types of fish to their nutritional value and this is what other countries are doing. We should be able to know what we are supplementing in the body."

  "In Kenya, issues of hunger are normally translated to lack of maize, when we can stabilize the fish industry enough to meet food security. This is also by creating a local market, to promote our catch because when you rely on international market we suffer. The situation at the moment is that we have no market in Kenya, the more the local market grows, our fish consumption index will start increasing. If Consumption index is high, the government can bargain for larger quarters, especially in Tuna fisheries,” he concluded.

Kenyans have been urged to embrace small claims courts as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Established under the 2016 Small Claims Court Act and rolled out in 2021, the courts have played a significant role in reducing the backlog of cases in the judiciary.

The courts have jurisdiction to hear and determine civil claims of up to Sh1 million and cases determined within 60 days from the day of filing.

A total of 12 court stations were established in Milimani (Nairobi), Kajiado, Thika, Eldoret, Machakos, Nyeri, Naivahsa, Nakuru, Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa and Meru.

The courts have heard and determined about 27,000 cases since they were rolled out in 2021.

Speaking in Mombasa during a one day stakeholders sensitization meeting on e-justice services and small claims court, Sisters for Justice Executive Director Naila Abdallah called on residents to embrace using the court to settle disputes.

“We are here to sensitize people on the need to embrace the form of alternative dispute resolution mechanism because we are live to the fat that there are a lot of disputes within the community,” said Abdalla.

She added  “People at the lower carder within the society have been exchanging goods and services and giving each other loans but fail to pay. Some get loans from chamas and saccos but when they fail to pay, properties repossessed by lenders are more valuable compared to the loan taken leading to disputes arising.”

She called on residents to make use of the courts saying that it is simple to use and requires no legal training for anyone to be able to use.

To lodge a case simply costs one Sh1,000 only.

“The court has been digitized and they can file cases through their phones,” she said.

Judy Philip, an advocate with the high court  in Mombasa who has been working closely with sisters for justice to offer legal aid said the small claims courts are very useful and  have been able to help in reducing the backlogs at the main courts.

“Not many people are aware about these courts. They need to understand that this court is people centered and very efficient and easy to use,” said Philip.

Steven Oguna, the executive director Chema initiative said the courts are offering alternative dispute resolution mechanisms which also include diversion and mediation.

“This is a plus for the judiciary system as it has reduced backlog of cases in courts,” Oguna said.

Kenya has witnessed a transformative shift in its business landscape, driven by the dynamic rise of co-working spaces that are increasingly being embraced, not just by individual entrepreneurs but by corporates and multinationals too.

The old but seemingly new trend, which became apparent and more rooted in millions of Kenyans at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has taken root in the East African nation, reshaping the traditional office environment and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and flexibility.

There is no doubt that the surge in co-working spaces across the country can be attributed to several factors that converge to meet the evolving needs of modern professionals and businesses. This has seen the entrance of international brands with an international feel and a taste of new trends.

WOJO, a global leader in providing innovative co-working solutions has a unique approach to co-working emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, community, aesthetics and workspitality. Their spaces are designed to be adaptable, accommodating to businesses of all sizes – from established enterprises to freelancers and startups. The co-working environments foster collaboration through thoughtful layout and shared amenities, fostering a sense of camaraderie among members.

But what makes co-working spaces such as WOJO a magnet for corporate Kenya?

Corporate Interest and Partnerships: Large corporations are recognizing the benefits of co-working spaces for fostering innovation and employee satisfaction. Many have started partnering with co-working providers or establishing their own co-working spaces. This corporate interest adds credibility to the co-working trend and further fuels its growth.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation: Kenya's entrepreneurial spirit is a driving force behind the co-working trend. As a hub for startups and small businesses, co-working spaces provide an environment conducive to collaboration, networking, and innovation. These spaces become melting pots for diverse ideas, allowing entrepreneurs to interact, share experiences, and build a supportive community similar to what WOJO offers.

Flexibility and Cost-Efficiency: Let us face it, traditional office leases can be rigid and financially burdensome, especially for startups and freelancers, and even for corporates. Many giants are contemplating shutting down physical humongous offices and maintaining a leaner office where they can meet with the team once in a while. Co-working spaces offer flexible lease terms, allowing businesses to scale up or down as needed. This flexibility reduces upfront costs and provides a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to establish a presence without committing to long-term leases.

Rise of Remote Work: The global shift towards remote work, accelerated by technological advancements, has significantly contributed to the growth of co-working spaces in Kenya. Professionals, including freelancers and employees of multinational corporations, seek flexible work arrangements, and co-working spaces provide the ideal solution. Spaces such as WOJO offer the infrastructure needed for remote work, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and other amenities.

Infrastructure Development: The improvement of infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity and accessible transportation, has played a crucial role in the proliferation of co-working spaces. As the infrastructure continues to evolve, more areas become viable locations for co-working spaces, making it easier for professionals to access these shared work environments.

Focus on Well-being: Visiting a place like WOJO will leave you wondering whether you are in an international hotel or just a normal co-working space. WOJO has set the pace for co-working spaces in Kenya that are increasingly prioritizing the well-being of their members. From ergonomic furniture to wellness programs and recreational spaces such as swimming pools, the gyms, among others, the outcome is always satisfactory hence more productivity for brands.

There is no doubt that co-working spaces have taken shape in Kenya. They are so deep-rooted that corporates have started noticing and do not want to be left behind in terms of spreading their wings.

Kenya has witnessed a transformative shift in its business landscape, driven by the dynamic rise of co-working spaces that are increasingly being embraced, not just by individual entrepreneurs but by corporates and multinationals too.

The old but seemingly new trend, which became apparent and more rooted in millions of Kenyans at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has taken root in the East African nation, reshaping the traditional office environment and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and flexibility.

There is no doubt that the surge in co-working spaces across the country can be attributed to several factors that converge to meet the evolving needs of modern professionals and businesses. This has seen the entrance of international brands with an international feel and a taste of new trends.

WOJO, a global leader in providing innovative co-working solutions has a unique approach to co-working emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, community, aesthetics and workspitality. Their spaces are designed to be adaptable, accommodating to businesses of all sizes – from established enterprises to freelancers and startups. The co-working environments foster collaboration through thoughtful layout and shared amenities, fostering a sense of camaraderie among members.

But what makes co-working spaces such as WOJO a magnet for corporate Kenya?

Corporate Interest and Partnerships: Large corporations are recognizing the benefits of co-working spaces for fostering innovation and employee satisfaction. Many have started partnering with co-working providers or establishing their own co-working spaces. This corporate interest adds credibility to the co-working trend and further fuels its growth.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation: Kenya's entrepreneurial spirit is a driving force behind the co-working trend. As a hub for startups and small businesses, co-working spaces provide an environment conducive to collaboration, networking, and innovation. These spaces become melting pots for diverse ideas, allowing entrepreneurs to interact, share experiences, and build a supportive community similar to what WOJO offers.

Flexibility and Cost-Efficiency: Let us face it, traditional office leases can be rigid and financially burdensome, especially for startups and freelancers, and even for corporates. Many giants are contemplating shutting down physical humongous offices and maintaining a leaner office where they can meet with the team once in a while. Co-working spaces offer flexible lease terms, allowing businesses to scale up or down as needed. This flexibility reduces upfront costs and provides a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to establish a presence without committing to long-term leases.

Rise of Remote Work: The global shift towards remote work, accelerated by technological advancements, has significantly contributed to the growth of co-working spaces in Kenya. Professionals, including freelancers and employees of multinational corporations, seek flexible work arrangements, and co-working spaces provide the ideal solution. Spaces such as WOJO offer the infrastructure needed for remote work, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and other amenities.

Infrastructure Development: The improvement of infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity and accessible transportation, has played a crucial role in the proliferation of co-working spaces. As the infrastructure continues to evolve, more areas become viable locations for co-working spaces, making it easier for professionals to access these shared work environments.

Focus on Well-being: Visiting a place like WOJO will leave you wondering whether you are in an international hotel or just a normal co-working space. WOJO has set the pace for co-working spaces in Kenya that are increasingly prioritizing the well-being of their members. From ergonomic furniture to wellness programs and recreational spaces such as swimming pools, the gyms, among others, the outcome is always satisfactory hence more productivity for brands.

There is no doubt that co-working spaces have taken shape in Kenya. They are so deep-rooted that corporates have started noticing and do not want to be left behind in terms of spreading their wings.

Mombasa county government has been lauded for it's efforts in boosting road safety.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General George Njao, Mombasa is the only county in the country that has managed to flatten the curve when it comes to road crashes fatalities.

Speaking during the launch of the Mombasa status summary report on road safety, Njao called on other counties to emulate Mombasa on road safety.

"In other counties the cases are on the rise, I have been receiving several questions as to how Mombasa has managed to flatten the curve. Mombasa especially the Inspectorate department are doing a very good and commendable job when it comes to road safety and I think it is high time that other counties starting emulating what Mombasa is doing" said Njao.

Adding "If you take a look our (NTSA) road safety plan you will see that there are some things that we have copied from Mombasa. Mombasa has been the pioneer of several initiatives including the pedestrians walk and the only other county that has at least managed to copy that is Kisumu".

The report which is from a research conducted by the Johns Hopkins international injury research unit through the Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative between December 2022 and October 2023 reveals that the total number of deaths from road crashes has remained stable since 2021 at sixty nine (69).

According to the report the most vulnerable road users are motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists who accounted for 88% of reported road traffic facilities in 2022.

The report which mainly captures observations of three risk factors, Speed, helmet use and seat belt and Child restraint use recommends for enhanced enforcement of speed limits across the city, correct helmet use , seat belt use and regular enforcement operations from the police and other law enforcement agencies.

The report also recommended to NTSA to advocate for enforcement of disposable helmet liner, a standard developed by the Kenya Bureau of standards for motorcyclists.

"As NTSA we are ready to work with all agencies and other stakeholders towards enforcing road safety and behavioral change especially from motorists and other road users" said Njao.

Speaking at the same time, Mombasa county Transport and Infrastructure executive Daniel Manyala revealed that the county government is still in the process of introducing other safety measures.

"This report is going to help us as the county government towards making the right policies and taking the right measures when it comes to road safety" said Manyala.

Adding " currently we are working on introducing three bills at the county assembly, road safety lies in the centre of all these bills. The bills are the transport and infrastructure bill, Non-motorised transport policy and the road safety policy. I believe that in the next two months they will all be in place"

Kwale based lower tier side Denmark FC is set to unveil it's new home and away kits.

The unveiling of the new jerseys is set to take place on Saturday at the Denmark grounds in Maganyakulo, Kwale county.

"The club after a successful year last year, we are happy to inform you that we were promoted to FKF regional league. The league will have more financial demands for the club and we as management are coming up with ways and means to raise funds to cater for seasons expenses that includes not nd limited to trainings, traveling FKF regulatory payments, medical costs among others." reads an invite from the club.

Adding "In view of this, the Denmak football club will be unveiling its official home and away jerseys on Saturday 20th January 2024 at Denmak grounds Maganyakulo. The club will be selling the kits to the members of the public as a way of raising funds and brand penetration."

The home kit will retail for kshs 1500 while the away kit for 1800.

The club will face Gor Mahia FC in the round of 32 of the 2024 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) MozzartBet Cup, after the draw was conducted on Wednesday.

The government has appealed for more partnerships in order to empower female inmates in the country's correctional facilities.

According to State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome M-Beacco, there is need for more partnerships especially from the private sector in training and empowering female inmates with different skills.

Speaking in Mombasa during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Chandaria Shimo La Tewa Women prison workshop, PS Salome said already there are different programmes and initiatives from the government in conjuction with stakeholders aimed at empowering the inmates.

"I'm happy to report we are also collaborating with mama Rachel Ruto through her Carakana project which involves crotchet which is a whole new ground which we are taking this year to train our inmates and it has been very succesful in Langata Women prison where we also have another Chandaria foundation project. Our female inmates have gained alot of skills and money, in Langata some of them have earn upwards of kshs 48,000 in a very short while and therefore we see this as a way of increasing the scope of vocational programmes taht we are giving this Women, because Women are very important in the stability of the society" said PS Salome.

Adding " We need more people and volunteers to come out and partner with us in these initiatives which are aimed at equipping our inmates with the necessary skills that they will use even after leaving the facilities."

The workshop at Shimo La Tewa  will encompass a bakery, tailoring and an ICT hub section. It will also hold the 'Karakana Project', an initiative by H. E the First Lady, Rachael Ruto where the female inmates will be trained on cross crocheting.

The workshop is a partnership between the State Department, Chandaria Foundation and Safal Building Solutions Ltd. At the Shimo la Tewa Borstal Institution, the PS handed over Ksh. 350, 000 worth of paint donated by Kansai Plascon East Africa.

PS Salome noted "We are hoping this workshop will go along way in training our inmates in the skills of bakery as well as tailoring and IT hub which is a new frontier we are exploring."

"We are hoping that we will be opening this workshop by mid or end next month (February). It is an initiative of Chandaria foundation and we are encouraging more foundations come out and do the same."

Carakana is a Mama Doing Good project under the Women Economic Empowerment pillar in the Office Of The First Lady. The program seeks to facilitate the transfer and preservation of indigenous skills, in the production of quality handmade items, for sustainable livelihoods and the well-being of vulnerable groups. 

Since 2016, the project has trained over 1,500 women and 537 women have produced quality artefacts that have earned them Ksh 5.15 million.

Raha Fest, a dynamic festival that celebrates the diversity and richness of African music, art, and culture, is thrilled to announce its inaugural event at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 30th and 31st, 2024.

The biggest festival in Africa, Raha Fest aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds, fostering connections and shared passions through a harmonious blend of music, arts, and cultural activities. Raha Fest will offer attendees an unforgettable experience set against the iconic backdrop of Uhuru Gardens.

The festival's lineup will feature a unique blend of local talents and renowned African artists - Samidoh, Nadia Mukami, Hart the band, Nviiri the Storyteller, Femi One, Otile Brown, and Congolese sensation JB Mpiana. More International acts will be unveiled later. 

"We are thrilled to bring Raha Fest to Uhuru Gardens and offer a platform that celebrates the vibrancy and creativity of African music, art, and fashion," said the organizers of Raha Fest. "We believe that this festival will not only be a celebration of our cultural heritage but also a testament to the richness of African celebration that contributes to the global festival experience."

Raha Fest is proud to announce Zuri Health as the official Healthy Partner for the festival, bringing a focus on wellness to this year's celebration.

Additionally, Radio Africa is our esteemed Radio and Print Partner, helping us spread the word and excitement about the festival to a wider audience.

Tickets for Raha Fest are available at Ticket Sasa and Ticket Yetu, allowing you to secure your spot at this unforgettable celebration of African music, art, and culture.