Ommy Dallah
Mombasa Residents Urge Governor Nassir To Prioritize Health
Mombasa county residents have asked the county governor Abdulswamad Nassir to enhance health services and ensure proper functionality of all public healthcare facilities in the county.
The residents led by Capital Youth Caucus Association secretary general Evans Momanyi, said the health department has been facing various challenges that need urgent intervention.
Momanyi urged the governor to make this as a priority during his first 100 days in office.
"I know the governor is a man who will save the situation, he has already given us hope since he took over especially with how he has been handling the garbage issue, we urge him to now also focus on health" said Momanyi.
Momanyi also urged the governor to make sure that he retains the current chief officer health department Pauline Odinga saying she has been spearheading some changes in the department.
Momanyi charged "We have faith in madam Odinga, she has been working hard to ensure that service delivery is improved and we believe if she works closely with the governor then we will see alot of changes in the department"
On her part Amina Suleiman, a resident from Likoni sub county called on the governor to ensure that he tackles the maternity services in county facilities saying they need an overhaul.
"As mothers we have been facing alot of challenges when delivering to an extend that we feel like giving up, some of the nurses are nude, some facilities lack medication and this are the things we want our governor together with madam Odinga address" said Suleiman.
Adding "Some of us cannot afford the services offered in other facilities and that is why we have no option but to seek services at the county facilities, what we can only ask from our governor is to please help us have better services."
Last week governor Nassir formed a taskforce on Healthcare Systems in the county.
The taskforce chaired by Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda is expected to audit and give back recommendations within two months.
“The Healthcare Task Force will provide a longtime strategic plan, suggesting ways of improving the health coverage and revealing what ails Mombasa’s healthcare system,” the governor said during the unveiling of the taskforce.
The task force consists of a representative from the Kenya Medical Associations, Mombasa Civil Society Organisations, the National Health Insurance Fund and six Community Health Volunteers representing each subcounty, the chief officer from public medical services and public health and the county Secretary.
The team is also expected to audit the current public healthcare human resource deployed and make recommendations to address skills gap, assess and recommend on addressing disease patterns and also formulate lasting solutions towards achieving universal health care that is affordable and accessible.
Behani Unveils Breathtaking Debut Single LET EM KNOW in East Africa
Pick CECs Who Can Deliver, Mombasa Residents Tell Governor Nassir
A section of Mombasa residents has urged the county governor Abdulswamad Nassir to ensure he nominates executives who can help him deliver services to residents.
The residents led by Capital Youth Caucus Association secretary general Evans Momanyi said the county needs development orientated executives who will help address the challenges facing residents.
Addressing the media, Momanyi cited the health department saying the department is currently facing a serious crises.
"We need changes in the health department. our nurses and doctors are demoralised. Our county health facilities are currently in a very bad state. Our mothers are having a hard time delivering in the county facilities" said Momnayi.
His sentiments were echoed by Jackline Wamboi who said mothers delivering at the Coast general hospital are forced to seek for medication outside the facility.
"Why should a mother who has delivered be left unattended and others forced to buy medicine elsewhere, when you have no money in your mpesa then you are denied services. Why should we as mothers suffer." said Wamboi.
On his part bunge la wananchi deputy chairman Cornelius Mkoba called on governor Nassir to ensure that he brings fresh individuals to his cabinet.
"We want our governor to emulate what president Ruto has done, come up with new new faces and do away with the old faces. " said Mkoba
AFRIMA 2022: Public Voting Starts Sunday Sept 25 PWC To Audit Awards Process
The voting portal for the 2022 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) will be opened on Sunday, September 25, at 21:00 (CAT), to the public, globally, to decide the winners of each of the 39 award categories.
The International Committee of the All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA), in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC), made this announcement, on Friday, encouraging African music lovers to vote intensively using the voting portal live at www.afrima.org, before the portal closes on December 10, 2022, which is the eve of the awards.
More information on the voting process, which would also be audited by the International auditing firm, PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PWC), can also be found on the website, as well as AFRIMA’s social media (Instagram/TikTok - @Afrima.official; Facebook - Afrimawards; Twitter - @afrimaofficial).
Like it did at the AFRIMA 2021 edition, the PWC, which has audited other major global awards including the Oscars, will audit the voting portal, collate the votes and present them at the awards.
According to AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mike Dada, “AFRIMA’S core values of FACE IT – Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency remain at the heart of our operations. With PWC, we are further reinforcing these value drivers, ensuring that we remain as inclusive, credible and authentic as always.”
Recall that the list of nominees were unveiled globally, last Wednesday, revealing a total of 382 nominations across all 39 categories. The nominations, which have been greeted with positive acclaim across the world, are the fruit of a rigorous 10-day adjudication held by AFRIMA’s 13-member jury, in July.
Also, only entries within the validity period of August 20, 2021 to August 5, 2022, were considered for nomination for this year’s awards.
According to AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mr Mike Dada, the awards body remains the ultimate recognition of African music globally, also serving as a muse to other award bodies across the continent.
“We are not oblivious to the fact that there are some other award bodies that copy our nominations every year. As the ultimate recognition of African music, globally, we are a source of inspiration to both music gatekeepers and music lovers across the entire industry. AFRIMA continues to blaze the trail in celebrating African talent and developing our creative ecosystem, and this year’s edition is a step further in that direction,” he said.
On her part, the African Union Commission’s Head of Culture, Mrs Angela Martins encouraged music lovers to vote decisively and objectively.
She said, “We have done our part. It is left to you the fans to now decide your winners. Remember that these categories are highly competitive and are based on merit. Let your votes help the best person(s) emerge as champion.”
The 2022 All Africa Music Awards will now be held from the 8th to 11th December, 2022. A special announcement will be made on the host country and location for the awards, on 30th September, 2022.
The AFRIMA awards ceremony will feature a 4-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour aimed at celebrating
Africa, recognising talents and expanding the economic frontiers of the culture and creative industry on the continent. The event is scheduled to commence with the welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, Africa Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees’ party and concluded with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.
African music lovers can take part in the events on social media, live stream on the AFRIMA website at www.afrima.org and visit the social media platforms (IG/TikTok - @afrima.official; Facebook - Afrimawards; Twitter - @afrimaofficial; LinkedIn - AFRIMA) ), and they can watch the event coverage by tuning in to their local and cable TV providers.
In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is a youth-focused music platform that recognizes and rewards the work and talents of African artistes across generations.
AFRIMA primarily stimulates conversations among Africans, and also the rest of the world, especially on the potential of the creative arts for fostering real human enterprise, as well as contributing significantly to social cohesion, as well as sustainable development in Africa.
The Programme of events is in line with the AU Agenda 2063 which outlines Aspiration 05 as the development of the arts and culture sector including its cultural and creative industries, to boost the development of the African economy.
Mombasa County Embarks On Anti-Suicide Campaign
Mombasa county in collaboration with suicide attempt survivors has embarked on a campaign an anti-suicide and mental health campaign seeking to sensitize the public and instil hope.
Mombasa county Director of Gender Esther Ingolo said the campaign to sensitize the public has been informed by the rising cases of attempted suicides reported in Mombasa.
"This month is a suicide awareness month, we have decided to bring survivors to speak to victims of gender based violence so that they can talk to them because we know what they went through has caused a lot of pain," said Ingolo during a sensitization forum held at a Mombasa hotel on Saturday.
In Mombasa at least 1,700 attempted suicide cases have been recorded with women leading with the largest number followed by children and men.
"Majority of suicide cases reported to us are related to intimate betrayal within couples, because many opt to committing suicide for feeling neglected," said Ingolo, adding that men are coming out to speak for themselves.
"On average per week we can get 50-60 cases from all parts of Mombasa and Coast, this is alarming but what we want to sensitize people is to have hope in life and care about one another," said Ingolo.
On her part Queentah Wambulwa a survivor and the founder of Girls for girls Africa mental health foundation called on the public to come out and get sensitized should they find themselves suffering from depression.
"We are trying to create awareness of gender based victims and allow survivors tell their stories and how people can counter mental health," said Wambulwa.
Wambulwa said the cases of mental health are within family set ups where teens feel neglected by the society and family members.
According to Wambulwa the event coincided with the September suicide awareness prevention month which is observed globally.
"This forum is important because it will help victims manage their situations, we have seen the vice rising amongst young people and that is what has informed this sensitization campaign," said Wambulwa.
Distressed members of the public are now advise to reach call the toll free line 0800720587 to speak to psychologists for free within Mombasa.
Somerset Westview Nairobi launches “Sip, Eat and Paint” Sunday Brunch at its International Cuisine restaurant, La Mascotte.
Serviced Residence Operator – Somerset Westview Nairobi has introduced “Sip, Eat and Paint,” a Sunday Brunch packed with delicious food, dedicated kids play area and immersive activities for the whole family.
Available every 3rd Sunday of the month, from 12:30 noon to 4:00 pm in the opulent surroundings of the Apart’hotel’s La Mascotte Restaurant, Nairobi brunch enthusiasts can enjoy a mixed cuisine both African and Continental, alongside a variety of creative cocktails and mocktails.
The Sunday Brunch experience is enhanced with a special kids’ fun area filled with an array of activities including balloon art, painting and bead work, which the children can take home with them after the brunch.
Before digging into the delicacies, guests both young and old can also take a dip in the heated pool and start the brunch on a fun-note. Live jazz music and free-flowing drinks elevate the brunch.
The brunch is priced at Kshs 4,000 per adult and Kshs 2,000 per kid, however guests can earn a 10 per cent discount on their total food and beverage bill, if they enrol in Ascott’s loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR).
ASR points are earned when you book for accommodation in any of the Ascott’s 400 ASR participating properties globally.
Ascott operates 16 addresses in the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Central Asia, including Ascott Corniche Al Khobar, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residences Jeddah and the newly opened Somerset Downtown Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia.
Somerset Maslak Istanbul in Turkey; Ascott Park Place Dubai, Citadines Culture Village Dubai and Citadines Metro Central Dubai (Franchise) in United Arab Emirates; Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain; the new stylish Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat in Oman, the recently re-launched Somerset West Bay Doha in Qatar; Ascott’s first foray in Central Asia – Somerset City Centre Atyrau in Kazakhstan; and the recently launched Somerset Westview Nairobi in Kenya, which earmarked the brand’s entry into East Africa.
The ASR membership comprises Classic, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, and with every tier upgrade, members will receive more benefits such as bonus points, complimentary room upgrades, airport transfers as well as early check-ins and late check-outs.
Aharub Khatri To Retain Mombasa Speaker Seat Unopposed
Aharub Khatri is set to retain the Mombasa County Assembly Speaker position unopposed.
Mr. Khatri now has an easy sail after his nine opponents were disqualified from the race.
According to Mombasa County Assembly clerk Salim Juma, only Khatri managed to submit the duly signed nomination paper with the requisite documents by Wednesday 23 September which was gazetted as the deadline.
The other nine who had expressed interest for the seat are former Frere Town MCA Charles Kitula, radio Journalist Ali Mwaimu, Mohamed Zuber, Moses Musine, Stephen Samo, Rishi Aruu Parikh, Richard Ochola olonde, Odwuor Derrick, and Emmanuel Maweu.
The newly elected Mombasa County assembly members are expected to be sworn into office tomorrow, Friday, thereafter elect the deputy speaker.
Nassir Suspends Dumpsite Fees As He Orders Closure Of All Illegal Dumpsites
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Wednesday suspended all dumpsite fees levied against waste collectors a he moved in to clear the garbage menace in the county.
The governor also ordered the shutdown of all illegal landfills as he ordered that they be cleared within the next seven days.
Nassir was speaking in Tudor Ward where he had gone to supervise the clearance of garbage at the illegal dumpsite.
“We have deployed 40 trucks to help us clear the garbage from all the illegal dumpsites created across the county. This exercise will be done and completed within the next seven days, I have appointed my deputy Francis Thoya to see to it,” said Nassir.
While issuing the orders, Nassir said that the landfills were supposed to be used as transfer sites, but because of lack of order they ended up turning to be garbage sites.
The governor said that henceforth, transfers will be done directly to trucks.
“The public will be informed in the course of the week on where to take their garbage. The trucks will be stationed at designated sites,” Nassir said.
He added that the county will also deploy ant-damping officers in all the illegal landfills closed to ensure that whoever continues to dump illegally faces the law.
He however stated that the county will continue engaging in public participation to ensure that the public and all waste collectors are fully aware of the new changes.
“We have to achieve our agenda for a cleaner Mombasa within the next 100 days. We expect to see order in all the transfer points, there will be no more excuses or reasons,” he said.
The Deputy Governor Francis Thoya called on Mombasa residents to support the governor in his agenda to clean Mombasa.
The garbage menace he said has bedeviled the county for years even as he promised that he will not relent until the work is done as delegated to him.
“I want to put on notice all environment officers who receive bribes for people to subvert the law, your time is up. Magufuli is back” said Thoya.
Thoya said that the county has the capacity to deal with the garbage menace, but they get overwhelmed because of garbage backlog.
According to a UN Habitat Assessment Report of 2019 released by the county, Mombasa produces about 900 tons of solid waste every day.
The county only manages to collect 60 percent of it with the remaining 40 percent finding itself on to the streets all the way in to the ocean.
The report also indicated that plastic waste made up 9 percent of the garbage translating to about 81 tons whereby only half of it is processed for recycling.
Lawyer Seth Mwatela Wins Kwale Speaker Seat
Lawyer Seth Mwatela Kamanza has been elected the new Kwale county assembly Speaker after garnering 20 out of 30 votes during the second round of voting..
His closest rival Salim Gombeni got 10 votes.
Former speaker Sammy Ruwa was knocked out during the first round of voting after getting 7 votes. In the first round, Seth and Gombeni had garnered 13 and 9 votes respectively with former Msambweni Omar Zonga getting only 1 vote.
Ruwa previously vied for the county top seat but finished fifth after being trounced by Fatuma Achani.
Mwatela also vied for the Kinango parliamentary seat during the August election but lost to Gonzi Rai.
Meanwhile the newly elected members of the Mombasa county assembly are expected to be sworn into office on Friday, they are thereafter expected to elect their speaker and deputy speaker.
Nassir Orders For A Review Of PSV Licenses To Cushion Operators
Mombasa county governor Abdulswamad Nassir has ordered for a review of licenses levied on public service vehicles and tuktuks operating within Mombasa County.
Matatu operators had complained of what they termed as exorbitant charges for licenses levied on matatus and tuktuks by the county government during the governor Jho administration.
The announcement which is a sigh of relief, to the key players was made on Tuesday when the newly elected governor met the transport operators in a consultative meeting.
Nassir, who took over from Joho, said as part of fulfilling some of his campaign pledges he will direct that the levies be reviewed downwards to cushion the sector players from the economic burden.
“It is my recommendation that these county fees be reviewed downwards subject to the approval of the County Assembly in the upcoming Finance Bill and the ease of compliance be improved so as to increase the collections for the county,” said Nassir.
Nassir promised that a detailed circular will be released by the county government before the end of next week detailing how to ease the cost of doing business in Mombasa.
Nassir said the county government will now automate the payment processes so as to ease the burden of queuing at the transport department in the Shimanzi area to make payments.
“We will no longer require operators to go all the way to Shimanzi for clearance then to Treasury Square for payment - we will enhance the simplicity of compliance by digitizing this process,” he added.
During his swearing in speech at the Mama Ngina waterfront last week,Nassir made a first executive order to waive licence penalties levied on markets and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Mombasa residents are struggling with the rising cost of living as income dwindles as our hotel industry and port-related businesses struggle,” Nassir said.
He said his priority will be the revival of Mombasa's economy. He also promised that dormant businesses will soon be revamped and existing ones expanded through his administration.
Speaking to this blog, Matatu Owners Association Mombasa Chairman Ali Batesi welcomed the move saying it will not help them as operators but also Mombasa residents and commuters.
"This is a very good move and we thank our governor for this. He has proven to us that he cares for us as businessmen and Mombasa residents at large" said Batesi.
Adding " It's timing is very right, now that the prices of fuel are always increasing and this will not only help us as businessman but commuters too. As you are aware we have not increased fares despite the high cost of fuel so this is something that we cannot take lightly and we promise the governor our support and cooperation as he settles in his new office"
