A Swahili phrase that means “the dopest and freshest”, Mali Safi is all about being on the cutting edge of what’s hot, and the artists highlighted in this campaign are exemplary of that, exuding a vibrant energy unique to East Africa. 

Featuring 10 exclusive guest playlists from Diamond Platnumz, Sauti Sol, Navy Kenzo, Zuchu, Nikita Kering, Nandy, Chris Kaiga, Spice Diana, Eddy Kenzo, and Otile Brown, each artist has meticulously put together a selection of songs that highlight the new wave and rich heritage of the region, celebrating East African excellence and innovation across the board.

In addition to the ever-popular EA Wave hits playlist, Apple Music will launch a Mali Safi flagship playlist that will highlight only the best in trending music from East Africa, for everyone to revel in the celebratory mood.

Artists' quotes on their Apple Music Playlists:

“East African music is the soundtrack to people's lives. The region is a melting pot of African and global cultures, which for centuries has maintained its sonic vibrations while integrating its exposure to other cultures. We are a show, not a tell society, who are all about good vibrations, love, the people and welcome.” - Sauti Sol

"We are a connected community with a variety of sounds and genres from Taarab, Genge, Dancehall to Bongo Flava and more, each song tells you a story by its melody." - Navy Kenzo

“These songs for my Apple Music playlist remind me that I always have to be the best in terms of writing and composing my songs. Writing a good song always has to start with some inspiration and to me listening to some of these songs helped me a lot. And I just love how most of these are typically from the streets like ‘Jamila’ by Jose Chameleone. I feel like it’s one of the best Singeli songs to ever happen in East Africa. And I think it’s so important as an artist to never lose my originality no matter the exposure to outside sounds and music.” - Zuchu

“I think it's a blessing that East Africa has many genres. It gives artists space to experiment with various musical influences. So if you are in need of a diverse playlist, East Africa will do you right.” - Nikita Kering

"The combination of musical feeling and the best lyrics make East African music the best on the continent.” - Nandy

"The East African class of artists are diverse, outgoing and special. This is attributed to the different cultures and backgrounds of the East African community. Even though Swahili is the main language in the region, East Africa is blessed with many different African-speaking languages and this brings out music rich in instrumentation and lingo.” - Chris Kaiga

“I just love African Music... the East African sound is one of the most exceptional. My Apple Music playlist features rising urban artists who are giving African music a special touch and are set to take over the world by storm." - Spice Diana

“Music from East Africa is rich. I actually still get a lot of inspiration from it even though I have traveled far and wide and had a chance to experience many other cultures and sounds. My wish is for the world to discover this richness in diversity, sound, genres, composition and culture. I picked my favourite sounds spanning through more than a decade of my songs along great East African hits and compositions. I hope you like my Apple Music playlist and have it on repeat!” - Eddy Kenzo

“I have curated a playlist for Apple Music with top songs in East Africa.” - Otile Brown

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has declared Monday, December 13, 2021, a public holiday as Jamhuri Day falls on a Sunday, a non-working day.

CS Matiang'i made the announcement on Thursday, December, 9.

"In line with provisions of section 2 and 4 of the public holidays' act (Cap 110) it is hereby confirmed that 13th December 2021 will be a public holiday, by dint of Jamhuri Day falling on Sunday 12th December 2021." Matiang'i said.

Adding" This day bears profound historical significance as it marks the attainment of Kenya’s independence and the birth of the Republic. All citizens are encouraged to honour and celebrate this day in a manner that promotes unity, national cohesion and economic progress in the country,".

Jamhuri Day celebrations will be held at Uhuru Gardens on Sunday.

The event will be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta, he will also unveil a museum in the park.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has tasked new General Service Unit (GSU) officers joining the National Police Service to serve the country with courage, integrity and discipline.

The President urged the new officers to uphold the law and abide by the rules and regulations of the service while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Kenyans.

“To serve successfully you must uphold the law, abide by all applicable rules and regulations, follow the orders of your superior officers and above all, commit to serving this nation with courage, integrity, discipline and honour.

“As custodians of public safety and our internal security, you are the watchers on the wall who safeguard our rights, freedoms and our way of life. You must live true to the oath you have taken and at all times, whether on duty or otherwise, be model officers whom others will emulate,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke on Wednesday at the National Police College Embakasi B Campus in Nairobi County where he presided over the 48^th passing-out-parade of the General Service Unit (GSU).

President Kenyatta commended the GSU’s reputation for bravery, excellence and unfailing commitment to duty, advising the 2,502 new officers to embrace discipline and talk to their seniors whenever faced with problems instead of engaging in acts of lawlessness and despair.

Acknowledging that the officers are joining the security sector at a time when the society at large is experiencing significant transformation and advancements in technology and external cultural influences, President Kenyatta asked them to adapt to the dynamic security environment.

“You will, therefore, be required to operate in an environment that is quite distinct from that which prevailed at the beginning of this century. The needs and expectations of Kenyans have also increased, particularly since the promulgation of the new Constitution in the year 2010,” the President said.

Once again, President Kenyatta reiterated the Government's commitment to ongoing transformation of the police service into a modern 21^st Century law enforcement agency.

The President said the Government had prioritized enhancement of human resources and equipment so as to enable the police service to effectively play its role of securing the country.

“…strengthening of the security sector has been a major priority of my administration’s agenda.

“To achieve this objective, in addition to adopting new training curricula and equipping our force with modern weaponry and equipment like armoured personnel carriers and surveillance equipment, we have also taken steps to boost service delivery and efficiency at work,” the President said.

On police welfare, the President said the Government was implementing a comprehensive medical insurance cover for officers and their families.

Similarly, President Kenyatta said the Government had reformed police housing by among other interventions allowing officers to rent houses outside their stations.

“These and other welfare and benefit initiatives have ensured the nation of Kenya is taking better care of those who take care of us,” President Kenyatta said.

Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i thanked President Kenyatta for his visionary leadership that has ensured significant investment in the security sector leading to better services to Kenyans.

“With the work that has happened in this sector thanks to your solid leadership and the investments that you have made, we are stronger, better and much more prepared to deal with the challenges ahead,” Dr Matiang'i said.

Other speakers included Inspector General of Police Service Hilary Mutyambai and his deputy Edward Mbugua.

Online video sharing and social media platform YouTube has announced the top 10 watched music videos by Kenyans in 2021.

The list which has new entrants reveals popular music videos uploaded and watched by Kenyans on YouTube.

Among those who registered the highest growth rate in subscriber numbers during the year and emerged as top creators and breakout creators are TT Comedian, Mungai Eve, Thee Pluto, and Terence Creative.

Below is a list of the most watched music videos by Kenyans in 2021, according to Youtube.

1.Zuchu – Sukari

2.Mbosso Ft Diamond - Baikoko

3. Otile Brown X Jovial – Such Kinda Love

4. Willy Paul X Miss P – Liar

5. Krispah, Kaligraph Jones & Boutross- Ndovu Ni Kuu

6. Joefes, Mejja & Mbuzi Ganga – Shamra Shamr

7. Zuchu – Nyumba Ndogo

8. Mbosso – Yalah

9. Chike & Simi – Running

10. Rose Muhando – Wanyamazishe

Former Baraka fm reporter Brian Osweta has joined the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Osweta who also worked for Nation Media group before joining BBC took to social media to make the announcement.

"His Grace has, is and will always be sufficient for me. Thank you Jesus! You deserve all the Glory! Truly, it has been a year of Great Expansion!" he stated.

The announcement came just one day after he revealed his exit from Nation where he worked as a data journalist at the data journalism desk.

"I am extremely grateful to Nation for all the opportunities, and growth I have experienced during my time here (it truly is one of the best training grounds for journalists). "Today, one year later, I leave well-equipped and prepared to face my next assignment," read his message.

The talented journalist was awarded the coveted Chevening Scholarship to study a Masters in International Journalism at Cardiff University, for the year 2018/2019. 

Kenya's fast rising sensation Alma continues to usher in new music with the release of her latest single “No DNA” via her management Digital Underground Africa.

Her mesmerizing rap skills and lyrics are brought to life in the accompanying visual, directed by Qubic of Frames Avenue. 

Watch the video https://youtu.be/2vfTMNXDt_k

The song was written by Alma Ndila and produced by Roy (Roy Studios) .

The new track showcases Alma's multi-faceted artistry, with her immersive, visually stunning video and soaring, dynamic voice and is available on all digital platforms. 

She most recently released Sinanga Stress off her Money Maker and has also featured various artistes in her works.

Mvita member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir has urged Mombasa residents to shun away from politicians spreading hatred and violence in their campaigns.

The legislature said that Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city with people from all the 45 tribes of Kenya working and living harmoniously with each other.

He called on the people not to allow politics to divide them and ruin the peaceful coexistence that they have enjoyed over the years.

Nassir who was speaking in Mwembe tayari area within his Mvita sub-county during his meet the people tour as he drummed up his campaign to succeed outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Joho at the helm of the county, asked residents to maintain peace as the country heads to the polls.

“We are saying as Mombasa people that the politics of insults and violence witnessed in other parts of the county will not be accepted here, all tribes of Kenya living and working here have coexisted peacefully and we will not allow politics to divide us,” said Nassir.

He called on Mvita residents to embrace his opponents as they come to campaign stating that maintaining peace was of the essence as the country approaches the 2022 general elections.

The Mp further called on all those campaigning to keep off from hurling insults inciting the public to fight stating that such kind of politics was of no good to the people.

 “We are selling our agenda peacefully without hatred and violence, we are selling our agenda by telling the people what we have done for them, our track record speaks volume,” said Nassir.

Nassir also exuded confidence that he will become the second governor of Mombasa next year stating that he has done a lot for the people.

“God willing next year I shall become the second governor of Mombasa, the work that I have put both in side and outside parliament can be seen by all, I am tried and tested,” said Nassir.

The Mp who is eying to capture the seat on an ODM party ticket, will however have to battle it out with his political nemesis businessman-cum-politician Suleiman Shahbal who is also eying the party ticket to succeed Joho.

The two will also face off with current deputy governor Dr. William Kingi in the ODM nominations after he also expressed interest to take over from his boss.

KTN Presenter Jamal Gaddafi has declared his interest to vie for the Malindi parliamentary seat in the next polls, 2022.

Addressing members of the press in Malindi town, flanked by his father and political activist Jamal Sheikh, Jamal revealed that he will be vying on an ODM ticket.

Jamal who rose to fame after winning KTN's reality show "The Presenter' said he is confident of emerging the winner in the party primaries calling on his rivals to prepare for a fierce political battle.

He joins a list of several individuals who have also come out to declare their interests for the seat currently held by Aisha Jumwa who has so far declared his interest for the Kilifi gubernatorial seat.

Others who are also eyeing the seat includes former Malindi MP William Mtengo, former Coast Water Works Development Agency board member Amina Mnyanzi , Kenneth Karisa Mulewa  and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Sports Officer Lenox Safari Pande who will contest the seat on ODM Party and Aisha Jumwa's political strategist Amir Mangisi.