Ommy Dallah
Safaricom Awards Five More Winners With Kshs1 Million Each In The Ongoing Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Campaign.
Safaricom has today awarded five more winners with Kshs 1 million each in the ongoing countrywide Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa campaign.
This is the fifth week of the promotion bringing the total number of weekly millionaires to 25. Additionally, each winner received Kshs 250,000 to support a community project of their choice.
The award ceremony took place in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, where the latest five winners were announced namely, Samuel Kuria from Nairobi, Emmanuel Mbogo from Murang’a, Kevin Bitienyi from Kakamega, Geoffrey Langat from Mulot, and Tabu Ndonya from Mariakani.
Speaking during the award ceremony, a 45-year-old mother of four, Tabu Ndonga from Mariakani, expressed her joy after receiving her cheque of Kshs1 million. She stated that the money will significantly help her support her family, as she has struggled to provide for her children’s basic needs due to her minimal income as a house manager. She plans to support her local dispensary with the extra Kshs 250,000.
“I really don’t know what to say at this point, as it’s still unbelievable. I am a mother of four and have really struggled raising my kids with my limited income. I believe this is a new beginning, as I feel my life changing. I plan to start a small business, build a decent house, and pay school fees for my kids,” said Mrs. Ndonga.
Emmanuel Mbogo, an 18-year-old from Murang’a, was elated after being announced as one of the weekly winners in the ongoing campaign. Mbogo, whose dreams were previously shattered due to an inability to afford college fees after completing form four last year, now plans to return to school to pursue a course in plumbing.
This will enable him to secure a job and support his family. Additionally, he intends to use part of his winnings to repay the loan his father took to fund his secondary education, with the remaining amount allocated for his siblings' education.
“I am grateful to Safaricom for remembering the less fortunate in society. I never imagined I would win something that could transform my life and revive my shattered dreams. We have struggled a lot as a family, to the extent that my father had to take a loan to educate me and some of my siblings, which is still pending. First, I want to clear the loan, then enroll in a plumbing course, and pay for my siblings’ school fees,” said Mr. Mbogo.
Similar sentiments about school fees and returning to education were echoed by Samuel Kuria, a part-time lecturer at a private university in the country.
Samuel said, “We are living in tough economic times, and many people are struggling to make ends meet. I feel this is a great initiative by Safaricom to support and transform Kenyans' lives. I have a few projects that have stalled due to financial constraints. With this money, my hopes of going back to school to pursue my PhD have come true, and I can expand my poultry project, which I have partnered on with my mum.”
He also pledged to support the Home for the Elderly in Kasarani, Nairobi County, where he once worked as a volunteer, through the ksh250,000 community projects supported by the Safaricom Foundation. Similarly, Emmanuel Mbogo offered to support the elderly community in Murang’a.
Elsewhere, Kevin Bitienyi, a 33-year-old casual worker from Shimanyiro, Kakamega County, could not hide his happiness after being awarded the cheque.
Mr. Bitienyi said he never imagined he would one day receive a million shillings, having always worked as a casual labourer supporting a local women's agricultural group.
“I have worked as a casual labourer, but from today I will become self-employed as I plan to venture into serious agricultural business to grow myself and support my family. I feel my life is going to change tremendously; I will never be the same,” said Mr. Bitienyi.
The five winners were selected after transacting on M-PESA and purchasing Safaricom’s Shine Kenya bundles for as little as Kshs20. In addition to the Kshs 1 million received by each winner, they also received KES 250,000 from the Safaricom Foundation to support any community initiative of their choice.
“ Since launching this campaign in early May, we have made 25 millionaires across the country and supported various community projects of their choice. We still have six more winners to announce, including the grand prize winner who will receive KES 5 million,” said Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom PLC.
As part of bringing services closer to the people, Safaricom also opened four new franchises in various parts of the Coast region today.
To participate, customers will need to transact on M-PESA or purchase any Safaricom Bundles. For every Kshs200 transacted on M-PESA and any Bundles purchase of Kshs 20 and above, customers will earn an entry into the weekly draw.
Qualifying M-PESA transactions include Send Money (P2P), Lipa na M-PESA, any transaction made through the M-PESA app, My Safaricom app, or by dialing *444#, *544# or *334#.
Elsy Wameyo Releases 'Saint Sinner', Her Anticipated Debut Album
Kenyan Australian singer, rapper and producer, Elsy Wameyo, has released ‘Saint Sinner’- her anticipated debut album out via AWAL.
Elsy returned home to Kenya from Australia to create the album in which she enlisted a team of producers, fellow songwriters and close connections including Wuod Omollo, Fancy Fingers (of Sauti Sol) and Ywaya Tajiri - who helped inform her new work and a rediscovery of the creative ambition that first set her on this path to greatness.
‘Saint Sinner’ is the culmination of those sessions spent writing and recording together in Naivasha where Elsy surrounded herself with personalities and energy that encouraged growth and rejuvenation.
Elsy says on the album, “I am not a saint nor a sinner. I am a child yearning to perfect and mimic my father’s glory as I continuously fall short. Still, I courageously and resiliently get back up to fight. I understand that evil is within me. It is my nature, though I sit and walk beside the king. He shields me from the storm and wraps me in His arms. Refined by the fire and set apart for greatness. Lord, it is I, Saint Sinner.”
Stories of aggressive fearlessness and profound boldness on “Repercussions” and “Quagmire” meet stories of self-love, ego and an unapologetic self on “Umva”, “Ler” and “Wonder Horns” in the 13-track album. Unafraid to go to places of pure sadness and grief, “Slowly Slipping” demonstrates Elsy’s savvy ability to move between shades of unbridled vulnerability, while matching them with natural beauty and strength.
A central theme that weaves through the second half of ‘Saint Sinner’ is endurance, and a return of faith, explicitly felt on the single “Conquer”. A sound of realignment is heavily heard as Elsy battles with inner demons, temptations and worldly voices to find a way back to her guiding spirit. Even through feelings of self-doubt, isolation and emotional displacement, it’s evident Elsy remains unapologetically fearless and strong in herself and sound as felt on the tracks “Journey”, “Saint” and “Thank You”.
The success of her 2022 debut EP ‘Nilotic’ catapulted Elsy into a limelight that she'd dreamt of since childhood; touring internationally, performing across stadiums and collecting accolades. However, with this dream came the reality of the music industry's toxic underbelly. This uncomfortable season brought her to a new creative touchstone, a place of reclamation and self-empowerment in the form of her debut studio album, ‘Saint Sinner’.
Through the turmoil and tumult of young adulthood, navigating the modern world as a Black woman has been a process not without its struggles like finding a sense of purpose and belonging, and of being caught between two cultures, that of Kenya and Australia.
A strength of voice exists throughout Saint Sinner’, replete with sounds that are urgent and poignant – showcasing Elsy’s levelled up sense of determinism and resilience on record.
Elsy Wameyo Releases 'Saint Sinner', Her Anticipated Debut Album
Kenyan Australian singer, rapper and producer, Elsy Wameyo, has released ‘Saint Sinner’- her anticipated debut album out via AWAL.
Elsy returned home to Kenya from Australia to create the album in which she enlisted a team of producers, fellow songwriters and close connections including Wuod Omollo, Fancy Fingers (of Sauti Sol) and Ywaya Tajiri - who helped inform her new work and a rediscovery of the creative ambition that first set her on this path to greatness.
‘Saint Sinner’ is the culmination of those sessions spent writing and recording together in Naivasha where Elsy surrounded herself with personalities and energy that encouraged growth and rejuvenation.
Elsy says on the album, “I am not a saint nor a sinner. I am a child yearning to perfect and mimic my father’s glory as I continuously fall short. Still, I courageously and resiliently get back up to fight. I understand that evil is within me. It is my nature, though I sit and walk beside the king. He shields me from the storm and wraps me in His arms. Refined by the fire and set apart for greatness. Lord, it is I, Saint Sinner.”
Stories of aggressive fearlessness and profound boldness on “Repercussions” and “Quagmire” meet stories of self-love, ego and an unapologetic self on “Umva”, “Ler” and “Wonder Horns” in the 13-track album. Unafraid to go to places of pure sadness and grief, “Slowly Slipping” demonstrates Elsy’s savvy ability to move between shades of unbridled vulnerability, while matching them with natural beauty and strength.
A central theme that weaves through the second half of ‘Saint Sinner’ is endurance, and a return of faith, explicitly felt on the single “Conquer”. A sound of realignment is heavily heard as Elsy battles with inner demons, temptations and worldly voices to find a way back to her guiding spirit. Even through feelings of self-doubt, isolation and emotional displacement, it’s evident Elsy remains unapologetically fearless and strong in herself and sound as felt on the tracks “Journey”, “Saint” and “Thank You”.
The success of her 2022 debut EP ‘Nilotic’ catapulted Elsy into a limelight that she'd dreamt of since childhood; touring internationally, performing across stadiums and collecting accolades. However, with this dream came the reality of the music industry's toxic underbelly. This uncomfortable season brought her to a new creative touchstone, a place of reclamation and self-empowerment in the form of her debut studio album, ‘Saint Sinner’.
Through the turmoil and tumult of young adulthood, navigating the modern world as a Black woman has been a process not without its struggles like finding a sense of purpose and belonging, and of being caught between two cultures, that of Kenya and Australia.
A strength of voice exists throughout Saint Sinner’, replete with sounds that are urgent and poignant – showcasing Elsy’s levelled up sense of determinism and resilience on record.
Celebrities Flock Lamu As 3rd Edition Of Lamu 7's Rugby Tournament Goes Down In Mpeketoni
The sleepy town of Mpeketoni came to life during the weekend as the 3rd edition of the Lamu 7's rugby tournament went down at the Tiger rounds.
A total of 14 teams participated in this year's edition.
Dhow 7's emerged the winner in a 5 -0 victory over Mpeketoni Boys.
According to the organiser of the event, Jennifer Wairimu (Waridi) President Waridi of Kenya Youth Organization, the tournament seeks to market Lamu as a peaceful county.
"We know that Lamu has been facing some security challenges, so with such activities we aim to show the world that we are still resilient and peaceful despite the challenges" said Wairimu.
Adding " Lamu also has various talents just like any other of the country so no one should ignore or look down upon it."
Calls For Transparency As China Tightens Ties With Tanzania Military
China has continued to enhance and strengthen it's bond and relationship with Tanzania.
Last week, the two countries launched a joint military training in Tanzania as part of ongoing military cooperation towards the 60th anniversary of The Tanzania People Defence Forces(TPDF).
According to an earlier statement from Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) the exercise dubbed 'Peace Unity-2024' will be carried out both on land and at sea.
" The exercise aims to enhance the participating troops' capabilities in joint counter-terrorism operations, and deepen military mutual trust and practical cooperation. It will be conducive for the three countries to jointly preserve regional peace and stability" read a statement from Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense.
In the statement, the spokesperson revealed that a similar exercise will be conducted in Mozambique.
According to analysts the joint drill will have a range of benefits for both China and the African countries taking part, analysts have said, not just in military training but also in strengthening political ties.
Paul Nantulya, a China specialist from the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies in Washington was quoted by one of the online publications saying this is part of Beijing’s bid to strengthen and entrench political, commercial, ideological, cultural and wider defence ties, as well as increase China’s global prestige among African countries.
Speaking to this blog, Esther John a resident of Daresalaam, called on the Tanzania government to ensure that the friendship and joint exercise is purely for the benefit of Tanzania especially it's citizens.
"My only plea to our government is please ensure that there is nothing hidden behind all this, at the end we as citizens should benefit from all this." said Esther.
Adding" We all know as Africans we are still dependant on the developed countries but let no one take advantage of this to their benefit."
Her sentiments were echoed with Rashid Juma, who called upon the Tanzanian government to put public details on the agreement.
"For the purpose of accountability and trust I would like to tell our government to please tell us (citizens) details about any agreement reached by our country and that of China." said Juma
Adding " we do not want to see a scenario later where citizens start complaining since it is known that such activities come with other negative effects."
Kenyan Content Creators To Start Earning From Facebook
Good news to Kenyan content creators, they can now monetize their facebook accounts.
On Tuesday, Meta the mother company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp said features; In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels, will enable creators earn money by producing original videos and building their community.
Eligible online creators in Kenya will earn from their video content with support in over 30 languages globally including Swahili.
According to Meta's Global Partnerships Lead for Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, Moon Baz, this will help grow the creative business in the country.
“Every day, we’re inspired by the incredible African creators who use Facebook to tell their stories, connect with others and bring people together. This expansion will empower eligible creators in the vibrant creative industry in Kenya to earn money, whilst setting the bar high for creativity across the world and making Meta’s family of apps the one-stop-shop for all creators.” said Baz.
To be eligible for monetisation, creators are required to pass and remain compliant with Facebook’s Partner Monetisation Policies and Content Monetisation Policies, and they must be at least 18 years old.
For in-stream ads creators must meet certain eligibility requirements like having a minimum of 5,000 followers.
"This expansion will empower eligible creators in Kenya’s vibrant creative industry to earn money, setting a high bar for creativity worldwide and making Meta’s family of apps the one-stop-shop for all creators,” Baz said
Kenya is now one of the 12 African countries where Meta shares revenues earned from advertisements with creators. Others are Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, and Seychelles, among others.
In March, President William Ruto held talks with the Meta team and content creators to have them monetise their content on Facebook.
All Set For The 12th Edition Of Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship
Nairobi Property Expo 2024 Showcase At The Hub Karen
From August 2nd to 4th, The Hub Karen is set to host the highly anticipated Nairobi Property Expo, the premier platform for urban dwellers seeking modern real estate lifestyle options.
Innovation For Inspired Lifestyles
This year's expo, themed "Innovation For Inspired Lifestyles," promises to showcase the latest trends in real estate. Proudly sponsored by NTT DATA, a dynamic tech company known for enhancing connectivity through innovative technology solutions, the event will focus on bringing together renowned exhibitors and services to create new business and living opportunities.
Unveiling Nairobi's Best Real Estate
The Hub Karen will feature some of Nairobi's most reputable real estate players, displaying futuristic, modern, and aesthetically pleasing properties and designs from Nairobi and its outskirts.
The expo aims to deliver unforgettable real estate experiences while highlighting cutting-edge technology in architecture.
A Groundbreaking Showcase
Designed to be a groundbreaking showcase, the event unites innovative players from the growing real estate industry.
It seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators, designers, engineers, and policymakers through a shared passion for real estate. Esteemed exhibitors include Decomagna Limited, Cool & Classy Outdoors, MiVida, Centum Real Estate, ESRExecutive, and other industry leaders.
Empowering Kenyans with Real Estate Opportunities
The organisers' vision is to create a platform that empowers Kenyans to access investment opportunities in real estate.
Recognizing the lack of knowledge and tools for wise investments, the expo aims to demystify real estate myths. It serves as a one-stop shop, bringing together developers, land sellers, realtors, decor experts, construction professionals, suppliers, consultants, and financiers under one roof.
Meeting Market Needs
The expo considers market needs, ensuring it meets visitor and clientele expectations. Beyond showcasing properties, it provides a holistic environment where everything related to real estate can be sourced, from cutting-edge home technology to eco-friendly products, interior décor, design services, and home safety solutions.
Evolving Market
Despite concerns about a potential bubble burst, the expo organisers assert that the real estate market is evolving, not collapsing. Embracing new trends and markets, Kenya's commendable infrastructure improvements ensure a bright future for the industry. The demand for quality housing, green living, aesthetics, and affordability are key market drivers.
Africa's Promising Future
Current indicators suggest that by 2025, Africa will present business opportunities worth $5.6 trillion. The Nairobi Property Expo aligns with new infrastructure ideas, a better-educated workforce, and a dynamic, youthful population across Africa. High returns on investment make the continent an attractive frontier for trade and investment, offering significant potential for the real estate industry.
A Platform for Engagement
As a relevant platform for investors and buyers to engage with Kenya's real estate market, the expo has already attracted numerous exhibitors from the real estate, finance, interior décor, design, building, and construction industries. Over 10,000 buyers are expected to attend the three-day event.
KPA Acquires New RTGs To Improve Vessel Turnaround
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has acquired an additional four Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) worth USD 8.5 million in the ongoing equipment upgrading and modernization programme.
The four cranes built on advanced technology have a Safe Working Load capacity of 45 tons, wheel span of 24 Meters, and engine drive capacity that consumes less fuel. They are manufactured by the Shanghai Zhenua Heavy Industries `company ZPMC).
The new equipements were discharged at the second container terminal and are awaiting commissioning.
"The arrival of the new cranes will boost efficiency on cargo dwell time and subsequently improve vessel turnaround." reads a statement from KPA
Last year, KPA acquired four modern Ship to Shore Gantry cranes mounted with spreaders that can handle two containers per move, making the port competitive in the region.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto has attributed impressive port performance to the expansion of key berths and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment.
The Port of Mombasa is projected to handle 1.8 million TEUs by the end of the year 2024.
Joho's Entry Into Government Will Change Local Political Landscape
The return of former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to active politics continues to attract mixed reaction.
Last week, President William Ruto nominated Joho as the Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS.
This sparked jubilation in Mombasa with different leaders praising Ruto for the move.
According to Mombasa youth leader Evans Momanyi the entry of Joho to the cabinet and national government will change the landscape of Mombasa politics.
"Joho is an official of ODM which was earlier perceived to be the opposition and he (Joho) was a big critic of Ruto's government, but he has now been nominated to the same government, this clearly shows that the future of our politics will have to change" argued Momanyi.
Adding" Joho has a huge following here in Mombasa and the Coast at large, this means that his supporters and other leaders from ODM will now be forced to embrace UDA which they have all along being perceiving it as a rival."
Momanyi further argued that this new formation will have dire effects from local UDA politicians.
"Those UDA politicians who had started preparing themselves for the Mombasa Governor seat especially Hassan Omar and Mohammed Ali will now be forced to go back to the drawing board, things have now changed."
"These are the same politicians who used to think that they are untouchable because they are very close to President Ruto but as it now stands Joho will be their senior and they will have to accept that fact"
Joho will face the Committee on Appointments of the national assembly for vetting and consideration on Sunday.
