The cruise ship terminal at the Mombasa port is expected to be ready by August 2019, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has said.

Speaking after a visit to the terminal this morning, Balala noted several cruise liners have alreday shown interest in visiting the port.

"We have seen good interest by cruise liners attracted to call at Mombasa port. We expecting a return call by MS Nautica operated by OceaniaCruises on 24th December visiting with about 700 visitors" said Balala.

Balala was accompanied by the Chairman of the Kenya Ports Authority board Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana and the Managing Director Daniel Manduku.

The project which started in 2016 costs 100 million.

The port of Mombasa captured headlines in June when the World Travel Awards voted it as Africa’s best cruise port.

The cruise ship terminal at the Mombasa port is expected to be ready by August 2019, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has said.

Speaking after a visit to the terminal this morning, Balala noted several cruise liners have alreday shown interest in visiting the port.

"We have seen good interest by cruise liners attracted to call at Mombasa port. We expecting a return call by MS Nautica operated by OceaniaCruises on 24th December visiting with about 700 visitors" said Balala.

Balala was accompanied by the Chairman of the Kenya Ports Authority board Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana and the Managing Director Daniel Manduku.

The project which started in 2016 costs 100 million.

The port of Mombasa captured headlines in June when the World Travel Awards voted it as Africa’s best cruise port.

Kenya has become the first country in Africa to install a solar system at an airport to reduce aviation carbon emissions by planes during take-off.

The ground-mounted 500kW solar power generation facility which was launched at Moi International Airport - will help reduce at least 1,300 tonnes of carbon emissions (CO2) through providing pre-conditioned air and compatible electricity that runs on solar energy to aircraft during ground operations.

The solar project will also have savings on electricity hence efficient operations at the Airport.

Currently, planes use their auxiliary power unit (APU) powered by jet fuel or airport ground power units (GPU) fueled by diesel to run on-board systems and cooling before departing for the next flight.

“It is not only a transformative development in Kenya’s aviation sector – and of the continent – but also an inspiring model of how such change can best be accomplished”, said Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Captain Gilbert Kibe, Director General of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the initiative enabled the development of Kenya’s State’s Action Plan for Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Aviation.

It also identified the use of solar energy at airports as a measure to bolster global efforts to minimize aviation’s carbon footprint.

” KCAA recognizes the importance of the global warming issues which took centre stage at the COP 24 Conference in Poland. As such we have been making aggressive efforts to address Green Gas House (GHG) emission from Aviation with the financial, technical and strategic support of ICAO and the European Union,” said Capt. Kibe

Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director, Jonny Andersen, was excited to note that the authority is the first in the region to have the Solar PV system installed.

“This project will  make a big difference on how we consume energy in our Airport. Our target is to among others to operate on zero-carbon emissions by 2020.”

This pilot project was implemented by ICAO and funded by the European Union (EU) as part of a €6.5 million initiative, entitled “Capacity Building for CO₂Mitigation from International Aviation.”

The initiative targets 14 States - 12 of them from the African region and two from the Caribbean region – to address carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

Celebrated Media personality Adelle Onyango officially launched her initiative at a star studded event held at the Shift Eye Studios , Nairobi.  The initiative is centered on the foundations of Youth Empowerment, Mental Health and Gender Equality and seeks to give opportunities to the youth and women in this country.

Adelle has gained international recognition for her efforts in empowering Kenyan women and youth, most recently serving on the Youth Advisory Board for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s second annual Goalkeeper’s conference.

The launch dubbed #UnapologeticallyAfrican was a celebration of our "Africanness" through changing the African narrative, taking away the "but" or "despite" in our stories. Being exceptional! Not seeking validation and not comparing ourselves with the rest of the world.  

Speaking during the launch, Caroline Mutoko said, “To be an African today means you have probably forgotten your past or are totally ignorant of it and elders explain to you that your future is tied to the past. There’s a choice of rejecting your tradition and flowing with popular culture and still yet be judged by outsiders based on a background you either know nothing about or have left behind. Don’t struggle to let go – don’t struggle to embrace the modern and feel like a sell-out have both because you can.”

Speaking on this milestone, Adelle said, “I implore you today to be unapologetic about being African. Without giving excuses and explaining where we come from and why we do the things we do. We acknowledge that we are developing but so is everyone else, the only constant in life is, change! Appreciate the social, economic, customs and tradition that exist in an African context. We cannot be afraid to make mistakes, and we need to be confident in finding our way and our solutions, cognisant of the fact that our solutions are not the rest of the world’s solutions!”

Adding, “We need to change the African narrative, take away the “but” or “despite” in our stories. We are exceptional! We don’t do extraordinary despite challenges; we just are exceptional!! We don’t seek validation, and we are not about comparison; we are not only creating a different set of rules, but we’re also playing a different game, an African game in an African context!! We are not diseased, broken and in need of help, we are gifted, rich, rhythmic, excellent, powerful, creative, modern, traditional, intelligent, we are kings and we are queens, understand that in being African we can change the world, but in trying to be like the world we cannot be African!”

Speaking on the initiative, Winnie Odinga, one of the Trustees said, “The launch of the Adelle Onyango Initiative is a great achievement for a phenomenal woman like Adelle, as it touches on issues (Mental Health, Youth Empowerment and Gender Equality) that affect our society”.  “It gives me satisfaction as a Kenyan to be part of this noble cause by Kenyans for Kenyans, I hope someone will see this and put a smile on someone’s face today”. She added.

Last year, Adelle was privileged to represent Kenya at the 2017 Children’s Global Media Summit, where she officially received the Duchess of Cambridge and chaired two sessions on youth and cyber-bullying.

In attendance to witness this milestone were Winnie Odinga -Trustee Adelle Onyango Initiative, media personalities –Caroline Mutoko, Shaffie Weru, Victoria Rubadiri, Mwalimu Rachel, Linda Nyangweso, Nelly Tuikong-Park –Pauline Cosmetics, Rama Oluoch, Kirigo Ng’arua, Patricia Kihoro and Patrick Ojil – Africa Business News, friend and family members

Below are photos from the launch

Otile Brown has a new song.

The song is titled 'Niende' , the video is not yet out.

Listen to the song below.

Actor Jamal Nassul Gadafi was finally laid to rest this morning at the Kikowani Muslim cemetery, Mombasa.

The former Vioja Mahakamani judge met his death after a quarrel with a Woman who is alledged to be his lover on Tuesday evening, it is reported the Woman identified as Grace Kanamu stabbed him after a quarrel.

The Woman has however denied killing Jamal claiming he accidentally fell on the knife.

Jamal's body arrived at their home in Frere Town Mombasa on Thursday  early morning, around 1am.

Mourners were however barred from taking photos from the burial which took place at around 11am.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah on condition of anonymity, a family member said "What was important was to make sure that he rests in peace and you are aware of the circumstances sorrounding his death, so we just wanted it to be simple" 

Jamal an alumni of Serani High School acted in a number of local TV dramas, including KTN’s “Junior” , KBC's 'Vioja Mahakamani and  NTV’s “Auntie Boss'.

BET Award Winner Rayvanny is among top Tanzanian music acts set to feature on the upcoming new season of Coke Studio Africa.

Others include Bongoflava star Harmonize, R&B sensation Jux, hit-making producer Lizer, honey – voiced balladist Nandy and rising star Mimi Mars. Both Rayvanny and Nandy will be returning on the show for their second time, with Rayvanny paired with Kenyan hit maker Naiboi.

The duo will be produced by one of Tanzania's most respected music producers: Lizer. On Coke Studio Africa 2017, Rayvanny worked with Dji Tafinha (Angola), Sami Dan (Ethiopia) and Laura Beg (Mauritius).

He also recorded a song with Jason Derulo alongside other African acts on the Global fusion edition.

Speaking from Coke Studio Africa recording, Rayvanny said: ‘’I’m grateful for making a return to the show. Since last year, I have gained so much experience. I am looking forward to creating great African music once again, this time with my brother GospelOnDeBeatz and the immensely talented Mahlet from Ethiopia,”

He added, “Coke Studio Africa offers African artists endless and invaluable opportunities as a platform; my mega collaboration on the “Tip Toe” remix with Jason Derulo was thanks to first meeting Jason at Coke Studio.”

On the new season Nandy will be paired with acclaimed Afrobeats artist from Nigeria, Skales. Harmonize will be paired with celebrated Ugandan singer Sheebah and produced by Nigerian extraordinaire producer from Nigeria GospelOnDeBeatz, with Jux collaborating with Shellsy Baronet—the multi-talented Mozambican singer.

The new season expected to hit TV screens across the continent from Feb 2019 will also feature music acts from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Nigeria, among other countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. As fans await the anticipated new season slated for Feb 2019, expect the release of a Coke Studio Africa Christmas playlist this Dec!

Qatar Airways’ first non-stop flight from Doha to Mombasa, Kenya landed today at Moi International Airport, marking the airline’s second gateway in Kenya.

Qatar Airways flight QR1333, operated by an Airbus A320, departed Hamad International Airport (HIA) on Sunday 9 December at 02:30 and arrived at Moi International Airport at 08:40, where it was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute.

On board the inaugural Qatar Airways flight to Mombasa, Qatar Airways Chief Flight Operations Officer, Captain Jassim Al-Haroon, was joined by the Kenyan Charge D’Affaires a.i. to the State of Qatar, Mr. Washington Oloo.

The VIP delegation was greeted upon arrival by the County Government of Mombasa Deputy Governor, H.E. Dr. William Kingi, County Government of Mombasa, Executive for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon. Fawz Ali, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Director Aviation Safety Security and Regulation, Capt. Tom Ogenche, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director, Middle East Directorate, Amb. Jackline Yonga, Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Radier, Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Hersi, Moi International Airport General Manager Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Jimmy Kibati and Moi International Airport Manager, Mr. Peter Wafula.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Today’s inaugural flight to the beautiful coastal city of Mombasa marks further growth and strengthening bonds between the State of Qatar and Kenya. We are thrilled to be the first Middle East airline to offer direct flights to Mombasa, our second gateway into Kenya"

"The people of Mombasa will now be able to access Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of more than 160 destinations around the world, while enjoying its award-winning service.” he added.

Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director, Mr. Johnny Anderson, said: “The aviation sector in Kenya is shining bright. Today’s inaugural flight gives our customers more travel choices. The Qatar Airways destination network will be a major boost to the coastal economy especially in the area of tourism. This is a major milestone. Welcome to Mombasa.”

Qatar Airways will operate its service to Mombasa with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 Business Class seats and 120 seats in Economy Class. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system offering a wide variety of entertainment options.

The award-winning airline currently operates three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. With the addition of four weekly flights to Mombasa, Qatar Airways will be operating a total of 25 weekly flights between Doha and Kenya.

In the following weeks, the award-winning airline will also launch direct flights to Gothenburg, Sweden and Da Nang, Vietnam. Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Gothenburg will touch down on 12 December and will operate five-times a week, while flights to Da Nang will launch on 19 December and will operate four-times weekly.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world, with a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

The airline was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.