The Ministry of Youth Affairs Arts and Sports and Trace Eastern Africa Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in youth development.

The objective of this MOU is to establish a framework for cooperation between the Parties in the field of youth development to provide platforms that equip the youth with the requisite skills and knowledge in the creative industry, enabling them to become competitive in the job market.

The partnership aims to promote and maintain the existing relationship between the two Parties, recognizing the importance of sharing available resources in the two institutions.

The transformative power of delivering programs that empower the youth with practical work and life skills, and enabling them to be easily absorbed into mainstream economic activities was also acknowledged.

Under the MOU, the Ministry and Trace will collaborate to provide opportunities for the youth to get the requisite skills and knowledge, specifically in the creative sector, equipping them to become competitive in the job market.

The Parties will not be compelled to work exclusively for or with the other under this MOU.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, The Arts and Sports Ababu Namwamba praised the partnership as a significant step towards empowering the youth and creating an enabling environment to nurture and empower the youth in Kenya.

“The agreement will start with the first cohort of 15 top talents who will benefit from scholarship in form of training, progressing them through the recording conveyor belt and unleashing them to the world, once ready, through the TRACE platforms.” He said

He also spoke to the opportunity that Trace, as a global company, presents to the creative industry through distribution of Kenyan music through all its clusters and enabling artistes earn royalties from those countries.

On his part, the Managing Director, Trace Eastern Africa, Mr. Danny Mucira expressed the company's commitment to providing technical support and capacity building of the Ministry staff where needed.

"We are going to be able to look at how we use Music to drive inclusivity for young people by creating a platform where we discover talent, expose talent internationally and enable them to commercialize their creativity in markets beyond Kenya and East Africa."

“Our commitment is to provide and input content with a Kenyan perspective dynamic that empowers our young people with skills that enable them to succeed, stand up and shine, not only in Kenya but also from a global economic perspective," he added.

He also reiterated that Trace would provide necessary liaison, allocate staff time, create awareness, coordinate cross-ministry efforts, provide skill absorption opportunities, and provide necessary training through its Trace Academia free online application to ensure the goal of this MOU is achieved.

Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has cited health challenges to the reason he has been absent in the anti-government protests steered by the Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

The Orange democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader on Friday revealed that he stayed away from the anti-government protest because he underwent surgery that he said could not allow him to actively participate in the civil unrest, championed by his party leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking in Mombasa after Iddu lfitr prayers, Joho however said his heart is deeply embedded to the Azimio ideologies and that of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

"I went through  some surgery, I am recovering and that is the main reason why you have not seen me where you should see me but I want it to be known that I’m 100 percent fully subscribed to the ideologies of Azimio and that of Raila Amolo Odinga, Mimi ni ODM na ODM ni Mimi,."said Joho.

Joho regretted that he couldn't take part in the demonstration that are aimed at bringing down the cost of living.

He slammed the Kenya Kwanza government for it's continued rhetoric instead of delving on serious matters affecting the public.

"The reason why we are going on the streets is because life has become unbearable, people are suffering yet the government is playing politics, they should act as a government you can't keep on talking, you must act," said Joho.

Joho has been missing in action since the last general election where Azimio leader lost to Kenya Kwanza administration.

The government has declared Monday, July 11, a public holiday.

In a gazette notice released today, Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the public holiday will be to mark Idd-ul-Fitr.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (I) of the Public Holidays Act, declares Friday. 21st April. 2023, shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr,” read the notice.

Muslims in the country are expected to start the exercise of sighting the crescent moon onThursday evening, to mark the end of the holy month of Ramdhan.

Kitui Flour Mills, the parent company for wheat and maize flour brand Unga wa Dola has launched a new edible oil brand, Dola Cooking Oil the latest addition to its portfolio as part of its strategy to diversify in a bid to meet consumer demands for high quality food.

The launch of the edible oil to be manufactured in Kilifi County has spurred the local economy with creation of jobs at the company’s Vipingo-based plant.

“We are pleased to launch Dola cooking oil which demonstrates our commitment to the Kenyan market as a company rooted in Kenya for over 50 years,” said Kitui Flour Mills Finance Director Anwar Bajaber.

The company notes as living standards rise, consumer demands for safe, high-quality food is evolving in Kenya, seeing potential to expand downstream to meet their expectations, leveraging our extensive experience and distribution network to provide safe, healthy and sustainable products through its value chain.

“We will continue to invest in and grow with Kenya, with a common vision of a safe, dynamic and innovative path forward in the food sector and are keen to continue to identify and pursue opportunities to do so working with our partners and stakeholders,” Bajaber added.

The edible oil market in Kenya is expected to progress at a CAGR of 13.37% in revenue and 4.75% in volume during the forecasting period 2023-2028 according to market intelligence firm Research and Markets.

Retail sales of edible oils continued to grow rapidly as edible oils are a kitchen staple that most local consumers continue to purchase. 

The growth rate in retail volume sales of edible oils will remain robust throughout the review period, aided by population growth, urbanization, and post-pandemic economic recovery.

Femi One, the super successful award-winning rapper, has just released her highly anticipated EP titled "Dame Toka Mwiki".

The EP, which features nine tracks, showcases Femi One's unique style and sound, and promises to be a hit among her fans and music lovers alike.

"Dame Toka Mwiki" is a testament to Femi One's artistry and versatility, with each track displaying a different aspect of her talent.

From the hard-hitting "Heshma" to the more introspective "Kulia Kushoto", Femi One's EP is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great music.

Speaking about the EP, Femi One said, "I'm so excited to share 'Dame Toka Mwiki' with my fans. This EP is very personal to me, and I hope that it resonates with everyone who listens to it. I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey, and I promise to continue making great music."

Femi One has been making waves in the Kenyan music scene since she burst onto the scene in 2015. With numerous hits to her name, she has cemented her place as one of the country's most talented rappers.

"Dame Toka Mwiki" is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

Mombasa City has been ranked among the wealthiest cities in the World.

According to a report published by Henley & Partners and intelligence firm New World Wealth, Mombasa has a total of 700 High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and only 2 centi-millionaires, there is no any dollar billionaire who lives in Mombasa. The report also adds that the number High-Net-Worth Individuals in Mombasa grew by 33 percent in the past decade.

The report covers the population data of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in 97 cities across nine regions namely; Africa, Australasia, CIS, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Kenya's capital Nairobi is ranked as the fifth wealthiest city in Africa after Johannesburg, Cairo, Cape Town and Lagos.

The report states that Nairobi has 4700 High-Net-Worth Individuals, individuals with investable wealth of USD 1 million (Ksh134 million) or more.

Nairobi also has a total of 11 centi-millionaires, persons with investable wealth over USD 100 million (Ksh.13 billion). No dollar billionaires live in Nairobi.

The report further states that High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in the city growing by 30 percent from between 2012 and 2022.

Globally, New York City was ranked the world's wealthiest city with a total of 340,000 HNWIs, 724 centi-millionaires and 58 dollar billionaires. Tokyo, Bay Area in USA , London and Singapore are also among the top five wealthiest cities in the world according to the report.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has urged President William Ruto ensure that cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearance in the country are a thing of the past.

Nassir who was speaking during an iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto at state house Nairobi on Monday evening said many families especially at the Coast have had to live with the pain of losing their family members through extra judicial killings and disappearance.

"As a member of parliament for two terms I had to see the faces of parents whose Children had mysteriously disappeared, I had to explain to them the agony of every single Tuesday and Thursday trying to produce statements and calling Cabinet secretaries to provide answers as to why all these levels of injustices were being done. I left parliament after serving for two terms with no answers on the hundreds that I represented" said Nassir.

Adding " I wish not to be in a similar situation as a governor or a parent to see the face of a parent not knowing the fate of their children whether they are alive or dead, whether they will be able to appear or they have permanently disappeared. And I wish that is the one of the legacies that you will be able to leave in this country for future generous to emulate that we can be able to have justice without necessarily to judge people by virtue of their colour of skin or religious practices."

Nassir also called on the government to ensure that it firmly deals with the issue of drug abuse.

"I speak this as a parent, If there is something that disturbs us is the effect of drug abuse in the population. Make sure that you empower the police officers so that we can flush out all those who are doing all these crime" said Nassir.

He further called on President Ruto to appoint the commissioners of the Wakf foundation.

Global Citizen, the world’s leading international advocacy organization has announced the recipients of this year's prestigious Global Citizen Prize and the Cisco Youth Leadership Award.

The awards honor young, trailblazing changemakers who are profoundly impacting their local communities in the fight to end extreme poverty, demand equity and protect the planet, in line with Global Citizen’s campaign to End Extreme Poverty Now.

The award recipients will be honored at a prestigious ceremony taking place during the Global Citizen NOW action summit at The Glasshouse in New York City on Thursday April 27, 2023.

The ceremony will be hosted by Actress, Humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha and feature appearances by Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Chair of Global Citizen’s European Board of Directors and United Nations IFAD Goodwill Ambassador; Padma Lakshmi, Producer, TV Host, Author and Activist; Bridget Moynahan, Global Citizen Ambassador; and Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway, and will feature performances by Natasha Bedingfield, Chloe Flower, and Samara Joy. 

The Global Citizen Prize celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to achieving the United Nations Global Goals by keeping the world's poor at the forefront of their campaigns, and recognizes unsung activists who champion and elevate the most vulnerable in their local communities.

This year, the Global Citizen Prize highlights activists across four categories: Climate Change, Civic Space, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Food Security.

The recipients will receive a year-long programme of support from Global Citizen, together with a donation to their organization. Proud Global Partners of the Global Citizen Prize 2023 include Cisco, Citi and P&G.
 
The Global Citizen Prize 2023 awardees are:

Deja Foxx, Activist and Founder of GenZ Girl Gang, from the U.S.

Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Global Coordinator and Cofounder, Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, from Rwanda;

Pashtana Durrani, Social and Political Rights Activist, Executive Director, LEARN Afghanistan, from Afghanistan;

Wangari Kuria, Founder and CEO of Farmer on Fire Ltd, from Kenya.

The Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established in 2018 by Cisco and Global Citizen to celebrate an individual aged between 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty in their community, through their leadership, dedication, and innovation.

The prize winner will receive a US$250,000 grant to their organization to enable its continued growth.

Candidates were judged, by a panel including representatives from Global Citizen, Cisco, esteemed activists and leaders in the international development field, against five equally-weighted criteria, including impact, vision, catalyst, global citizenship, and technology innovation.

This year’s Cisco Youth Leadership Award recipient is Nkosana Butholenkosi Masuku, Founder and CEO of Phenomtech-Sciency Learning, from Zimbabwe.

A Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher working at a rural school, Nkosana created Sciency Learning as a result of the lack of resources for teaching STEM in Zimbabwe’s rural communities.

Sciency's objective is to provide low-cost STEM education to students across Zimbabwe in a bid to reduce dropout rates and advance STEM development across the country.

Nkosana is an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and an award-winning entrepreneur.

“STEM education is critical for opening doors of opportunity, and Nkosana’s vital work utilizing innovative technology to offer STEM learning to rural schools across Zimbabwe is transformative,'' said Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer of Cisco.

Adding  “Investing in education reaps a lifetime of benefits, not only for children but also for their communities. The work of young leaders like Nkosana is helping to usher in a more inclusive future by empowering youth in Africa and around the world to thrive in the digital economy.”

“It is an honor to recognize these inspirational, young changemakers who are advancing the fight to end extreme poverty,” said Liza Henshaw, President, Global Citizen. 

Adding “The world needs innovators who will courageously pursue positive change in their local communities, and inspire others to action through their ingenuity.”

On Sunday, 16 April, Netflix hosted the premiere of Queen Charlotte at the Quoin Rock Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Netflix celebrated the upcoming show, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, with an exclusive gathering that saw renowned actors, social media influencers and personalities dressed to the nines with a hint of afro chic.

The event brought out the African Ton - a glittering array of stars from Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and South Africa.

Queen Charlotte herself, Golda Rosheuvel, was in attendance, along with the Young Lady Danbury, Arsema Thomas. Both stars wore creations by South African designers.

Kenya’s Catherine Kamau, Nikita Kering, Azziad Nasenya, Mammito Eunice, Joy Kendi and Tanzania’s Idris Sultan were among the esteemed guests summoned to the exclusive gathering,

Queen Charlott, a Bridgerton Story is a prequel spin-off about Queen Charlotte, a fan-favourite character from Bridgerton.

The series premieres worldwide on May 4, only on  Netflix. 

East African Legislative Assembly member Hassan Omar on Sunday launched a scathing attack on opposition leader Raila Odinga saying the Azimio leader is not above the leader.

Omar called on Odinga to stop 'inciting' Kenyans to demonstrate against the government saying it is high time that he (Raila) accepts the fact that he lost the elections.

"I have fought for human rights for a very long time, I was also in the streets. Raila Odinga is not above the law, the country has spoken that William Ruto is the president in the most fair, trusted and transparent elections in the country and it is high time that Raila accepts this" said Omar.

Adding " Your right to protest does not extend to the right to topple a legitimate elected government. Enough is enough. This cycle of Raila Odinga must be broken".

Speaking during an Iftar dinner at the Serani grounds, Omar who is also the UDA Vice Chairman called on Mombasa residents to ignore calls by Odinga for demonstrations after the end of Ramadhan.

"Do not agree to go the streets, if you go to the streets tourists will cancel their bookings in our hotels and it is our sons and daughters who will suffer for lack of jobs" argued Omar.

Last week Odinga announced that the weekly anti-government demonstrations will resume after Ramadhan.

Speaking during the Azimio coalition town hall meeting held in Ufungamano House on Thursday, April 13, Raila claimed that the decision was made after a consultative meeting with other leaders allied to the coalition due to lack of seriousness from the government regarding proposed bipartisan talks.