The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has launched a five-year strategic plan where it set to spend a whopping Sh199 billion to light up the country.

The plan covers the period 2018/2019-2022/23 and aims to electrify about 25,899 public facilities.

Speaking during the event in Mombasa, REREC board of directors chairman Simon Gicharu said focus was to connect rural public facilities and households in the country.

Prof Gicharu said that the corporation said the targeted public institutions include 278 primary schools, 1,339 secondary schools,polytechnics,institutions of higher learning,1,428 health centers/dispensaries, 5,705 market and trading centres, worship centres, police posts and processing plants.

''The Corporation will also connect about 112,500 households that are within a radius of 600 metres of new transformers to electricity,'' he said..

During the same period, a total of 3,728 public facilities in the off-grid areas will be electrified  through installation of renewable energy mini-grid systems.

''And to further support the use of renewable energy in the country, REREC aims to install and meter 200 Solar PVs and 20 wind energy systems for institutions; develop and promote biogas and biomass systems for 20 institutions as well as provide maintenance for 5,000 institutions already installed with renewable energy systems,'' Gicharu said.

The Corporation will also install 50,000 out of the 250,000 mapped solar home systems.

He said that the launch marks celebration of milestone achievements since the establishment in 2006  and reiterated that they are are keen to establish linkages with all the 47 county governments in the country  whom they have been working with before to increase electricity connectivity..

''It is the first plan to be prepared by REREC ,although there are two others  that had been developed under REREC's predecessor, the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) since its inception in 2006.

"This plan comes at time when the energy sector in Kenya  has undergone restructuring under the Energy Act (2019) that gives REREC a broader mandate  on renewable energy development,'' the chairman said.

He said that the plan is a product of extensive consultation and comprehensive feedback from their internal and external stakeholders who provided valuable suggestions and information that will aid in achievements of RERECs mandate. 

Energy principal secretary, Maj Gen (rtd) Gordon Kihalangwa commended the REREC board,management and staff for coming up with the plan and challenged them to ensure that everything in the plan is made achievable for the betterment of the nation.

''This document could not have been launched at a better time than when there are reforms in the energy sector in the county. The costs of electricity has been going up and any interventions to control that are welcomed,'' Kihalangwa said.

REREC chief executive officer, Mr Peter Mbugua said that over the five year implementation period,REREC has been actively involved developing and promoting the use of renewable energy, increasing electricity connectivity, promoting research and development in renewable energy as well as establishing strategic collaborations with stakeholders.

He added that they are also keen on building human capital, strengthening institutional capacity and achieving financial sustainability. 

''The corporation expects to mobilize these funds mainly from the National Government through the exchequer. Other sources of funding include Development partners, Public-Private Partnerships, counties, investments and the community,'' Mbugua said. 

He explained that the  implementation of the Strategic Plan will be monitored through the guidelines of the National Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System (NIMES).

Mbugua said that a balanced scorecard approach will be used to monitor all the initiatives to achieve the priority areas of the plan and the implementation matrix.

''This system will be monitored through quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress reports to the management and board.

"Based on the results of the monitoring, appropriate corrective action will be undertaken to ensure that the strategic plan remains alive and relevant to the mandate of the corporation,'' the CEO said.

To ensure efficiency and professionalism while implementing the strategic plan, the corporation, also launching a total of 45 policies; developed, reviewed, formatted and combined to form a volume of the corporation’s Internal Policies.

These policies will assist the corporation to enhance internal governance, infuse the desired ethical culture and lead to smooth, efficient and effective operationalisation of its mandate.

Uncover, a local Nairobi brand that harnesses Korean beauty to serve, protect, and nourish women’s skin, has launched I Am Spotless Pimple Patches a new, game-changing product to solve a major issue Kenyan women face with their skin.

Infused with wound-healing agent hydrocolloid, breakout-fighter salicylic acid, and calming centella asiatica flowering plant, the I Am Spotless Pimple Patches will address a dire need among Kenyan women: an easy, safe, and affordable method to heal their pimples.

Jade Oyateru, Uncover Founding Team, says, "Our team worked really hard to launch our first product into the market in under 6 months. We cinched supply partnerships with 6 of East Africa’s largest pharmacy, wellness, and cosmetic chains, sold 3,000 units of our first product in the first month."

A survey of almost 1,000 participants found that post acne hyperpigmentation (discoloration that results from harsh pimple removal techniques) is one of the biggest pain points for Kenyan women.

While aggressive acne treatments are tempting, they can cause discoloration and even inflammation in their wake.

I Am Spotless Pimple Patches— Uncover’s super power stickers that safely heal, flatten and protect ripened pimples with their gunk-sucking technology. 

To celebrate the new product on Nov. 24th 2021, Uncover hosted a Kenya launch event in Nairobi, attended by top influencers, personalities, beauty & skin experts and some of the brand’s loyal consumers, to debut the patches and the growing brand.

It was a thrilling experience with the brand’s growing beauty committee joining in the exclusive introduction of a new product. The event also hosted important conversations about the evolving beauty scene in Kenya. 

A pack contains 18 transparent patches with two sizes that work on all skin tones and skin types.

The patches work best on ripened pimples and start to work immediately. We suggest leaving them on for 4-8hours or replacing them as needed (depending on the amount of debris in the skin), allowing you to go on about your day.

The I Am Spotless Pimple patches will retail at KSH 899/= and is available for purchase on Uncovers website www.uncoverskincare.co and other health and beauty stores like True Cosmetics, Kasha, Super Cosmetics, Goodlife, Jumia and other well known chains in Kenya.

"What I love about Uncover is that what we are building is about so much more than good quality skincare products. It is about taking healthy care of ourselves while loving who we are. Let's normalize acne scars, different skin colors, textures, body types and more. Let's unapologetically be our real, beautiful, unique selves." - Sneha Mehta, Uncover Founding Team.

Mvita member of parliament Abdulswamad Nassir has urged his supporters and Mombasa people to rally behind Raila Odinga and his ODM party in the 2022 general elections.

Speaking on Sunday evening when he graced the launch and fundraising event for the Ramogi sacco in Bomu grounds Changamwe, Nassir said that he and Raila share a common ideology of dedicating their lives for the people of Kenya.

A passionate Nassir stated that his body has been used as a shield for Raila something he says he will continue doing in the pursuit of seeing a transformed nation under the able stewardship of his party leader.

“My interest with Raila Odinga has always been for the people of Mombasa, we share a common ideology of dedicating our lives for the interest and the people of this country,” said Nassir

Nassir stated that he has never in his entire political career abused Raila or called him names terming doing it as amounting to treason.

He added that the passion, vigor and love that Raila has for the country can only be compared to the selfless love and care that he has for the people of Mombasa adding that his efforts, sweat and entire life has been dedicated to serving Mombasa residents.

“Let people say what they want to say but the record is that I Abdulswamad Nassir has always been there for the people, I have been the handkerchief used to wipe the tears of Mombasa people.

The legislature who is eying to succeed governor Joho at the helm of the county come 2022, also used the platform to popularize the ODM party adding that it was not for politics but because he believed in the party’s ideologies to transform the nation.

“We are selling the party not because of politics, but because we believe in Raila and all the sacrifices that he has shown to the people of this country, my voice has been to narrate his story and what he has done for this country,” he said.

He further called on those who had run away from the party to come back but with humility adding that ODM was and still is a peaceful party that does not believe in any form of violence.

“The party did not get here because of violence, prejudice and chest-thumping plus we are a democratic and peaceful party, you can only win the people’s hearts through your good actions,” he said.

BeMobile, a new African digital mobile network has been launched targeting the African youth market.

In partnership with the global mobile virtual network Enabler (MVNE) x-Mobility (www.x-mobility.com), BeMobile gives Africans freedom and control over their communication. 

Not only will BeMobile give African youth the opportunity to break away from incumbent MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) the Pan-African Network will also empower them to express themselves with new and exciting digital tools. When it comes to international calling, BeMobile rates are up to 5 Times Cheaper than the local Telco’s when calling international markets like the U.S.A.

BeMobile’s revolutionary network will give African the freedom to connect with the world on different international numbers (from the U.S.A, Canada and United Kingdom) using personalized profiles, without the need for an extra sim card.

All they need is the BeMobile app to access this innovative service. 

“BeMobile will break the stereotypes of mobile and create an iconic youth brand across Africa,” said Kevin Mulei, Chief Executive Officer of BeMobile.

“The youth is the market to win. BeMobile believes in the African Youth Culture and that’s the reason we are launching BeMobile. We will do this partly thanks to the bold and inspiring spirit x-Mobility brings to the telecoms market. They also have years of experience and great digital know-how.” Mulei added. 

The BeMobile App offers international numbers (UK, US & Canada) on your existing handset for those who want privacy and control over their mobile communication.

BeMobile will also offer free calls to friends and family at home or abroad if they call within the app, cheaper international call rates, multiple new number profiles (including international numbers) for chatting with your dating site matches and more.

“BeMobile is an exciting youth brand committed to empowering and connecting the African youth to the world through digital solutions. Their new Pan-African mobile brand is not only exciting, but disruptive and innovative too,” said Shanks Kulam, co-founder of x-Mobility.

The BeMobile App was launched on 22nd November and will provide a disruptive and creative outlet for the youth market. For the first time, African youth can own, control and segment their global communication in a click.  

About BeMobile

BeMobile is a disruptive and innovative technology conglomerate that is shaping the future of communication by connecting consumers to innovative digital solutions.

BeMobile app is an innovation by NRG that allows Africans to own and personalize up to 4 international numbers from the U.S.A, U.K or Canada without the need for an extra sim card. 

Realness Institute is excited to announce open submissions for the 2022 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET) in partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service.

Submissions opened on 22 November 2021 via https://realnessinstitute.awardsplatform.com/ and will close on 14 January 2022. 

Allison Triegaardt, Netflix Manager for Grow Creative Africa says, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Realness Institute for the 2022 edition of the Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET). "

Adding "The development, nurturing and support of talent pipelines gives new voices a chance to be heard. This is key for Netflix as we contribute to the growth of the film and TV industry and honour our commitment to the African creative community.”

For information on eligibility and application process please visit the following:

• Episodic Lab: https://www.realness.institute/episodic-lab
• Development Executive Traineeship: https://www.realness.institute/det 

The Episodic Lab is a development programme that gives screenwriters from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria an opportunity to develop their original story ideas, in any genre.

The participants have the opportunity of pitching these incubated stories to Netflix executives  at the end of the programme. 

The 2022 Episodic Lab and DET are set to take place online from 1 May to 31 July 2022. 

This year’s call for screenwriters in the new Realness Institute and Netflix partnership follows overwhelming interest and success in the inaugural editions, having received 425 submissions for the 2021 Episodic Lab and 79 applications for the 2021 DET.

The DET, open to applicants from across Africa and the Diaspora, on the other hand is aimed at mid-career industry professionals who are looking to enhance their skills as story consultants.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the story development process, and will be exposed to a more nuanced approach in the support of writers whilst simultaneously holding writers accountable for their creative work.

DET participants will work alongside creative producers and story experts in the development of their concepts and series pitch decks.

They will also engage with international and local guest speakers every week for the duration of the programme.

Each of the twelve participants (six per programme), will receive a monthly stipend of USD 2,000 during the incubation period. This is to cover living expenses as they focus on their concept development while being mentored.

While there is no guarantee that any proposal will be developed further by Netflix, it is a unique opportunity to interface at key milestones with the Netflix executives, and be afforded the opportunity to pitch.

2021 Episodic Lab alumnus Kudi Maradzika (Zimbabwean-South African) pitched an idea for a comedy-drama that has been selected for further development.

Provisionally entitled Bad Influencer (co-created with Justin Oswald) Maradzika is now starting to turn her attention to next steps, which include Writers’ Room planning.

Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships at the Realness Institute says, “What we have witnessed from the first Lab and Traineeship is that there is a deep desire for Africans to create their own narratives. This bodes well for a growing audience, based in Africa and abroad."

Adding  "We are so pleased to be a major player in lighting the fire of our amazing continental creatives.”

Realness Institute is a non-profit organisation which aims to empower Africans to tell their stories from an unapologetically African point of view.

Family, friends and colleagues of the late Carol Wayua on Tuesday paid tribute to her during a memorial service held at the Mombasa Pentecostal Church.

Carol is one of the four people attached to Mvita MP's office Abdulswamad Nassir who perished in a road accident after the car they were travelling in rolled following a tyre burst between Koreni and Milihoi along the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road last week on Saturday. 

She had just began working for Nassir in April this year after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Daystar University in 2020.

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Nassir described her death as a huge blow to his team as he paid tribute to her describing her as an individual who was filled with humility and love for others.

"Her untimely death is a major blow to me and my team, Carol was a dedicated and humble human being and staff, she always stood out in the team," said Nassir.

 Nassir remembered all the advices Caro used to give her especially emphasizing on the importance of showing love to the people who hated him.

 "She used to advise me not to hate those who hate me but rather show them love because we shall need to serve them when I become governor next year," said Nassir.

"She constantly reminded me not to worry but focus on my agenda for the people whenever the political heat was getting too much," added a teary Nassir

Carol's family and friends described her as a loving, ambitious and hardworking girl.

"You were always a bright intelligent and organized girl, a perfectionist in everything you did. I was and still am very proud of you," said her grandmother.

"You laughter was so contagious, I can still hear it. We shared heart-to-heart moments, distance meant nothing," said her US based aunt Linda Aluoch who flew in for her burial.

"She was beautiful and intelligent, she also had a sense of humor. Carol died doing what she loved best, that is Journalism and Politics," said her aunt Rose.

Her colleagues and friends described her as a team player and a person who dedicated her life to spread love and joy to all those who were around her.

"Carol had shared alot of love with colleagues in school, she was a joy to be around. She loved to make people laugh and she loved to spread joy," said Ruth Murutu, her former colleague at Daystar University.

"Thank you Carol for being the best cheerleader and the most genuine friend that anyone could have asked for, rest in eternal peace my friend," said Lorraine Chebet.

Her final funeral service will be held on Wednesday at the Ginnery Multipurpose Hall before she is laid to rest at her rural home in Kitui.

The beef between Tanzania's musical heavy weights Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize is spreading fast and wide.

The beef between the two friends turned foes has started involving outsiders and getting personal.

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In an impromptu press conference at the Julius Nyerere Airport on his way back to Daresalaam from USA, Harmonize opened up on his trials and tribulations in the hands of WCB management and the bad blood between him and his former boss Diamond Platnumz.

In the press conference, Harmonize revealed that his troubles at WCB began when he started doing music tours to different African countries and working with big names like  Burnaboy.

"If you are keen enough almost all of the artistes who have had problems with Diamond, is only because of them shining. When they are still not popular, they are good friends but when they start shinning they become enemies, take a very good example of Ommy Dimpoz" he charged.

Harmonize claimed that the WCB management started taking him for a threat especially after releasing hits after hits with his star rising.

Harmonize noted "I was only chasing my dreams and in that process, people around him (Diamond)  started thinking I wanted to overtake him and started feeding him with all manner of negative words"

The 'Outside' hitmaker went ahead to reveal how he had to turn down requests by Diamond Platnumz's baby mama's Tanasha Donna and Hamisa Mobetto to collaborate with him.

He stated that he was doing all this for the respect of the former boss, Diamond Platnumz.

"Tanasha Donna and Hamisa Mobeto, all approached me to do songs with them but I refused because I did not want to make it look like I was hitting back at him with his baby mamas. If this is not enough respect then how else can you describe it" said Harmonize.

He also revealed how he once dodged Zari Hassan after she asked for a selfie.

"I remember I was in South Africa to shoot one of my videos and I accidentally bumped into her Zari. She saw me and wanted to take a photo but I pretended to be in a rush and left only for us to meet in the plane , but iI explained to her my reason why I cannot take a selfie with her and she understood".

Harmonize joined WCB in 2015.

The two artists, Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize have not seen eye to eye since their bitter fall out in 2019 after Harmonize left WCB and started his own label, Konde Gang.

King Kaka has finally dropped the first single off his upcoming anticipated Happy Hour EP.

The punchline maestro has teamed up with Wakadinali this time in what is to be a sure hit titled 'Pull Up' 

The catchy song gives a glimpse into the typical life in the hood when you pull up to your homies' and just have a good time. It is the perfect representation of all the hoods in Kenya and the joy of chilling with your friends while hustling. 

The track is produced by Ricco Beats 808 with the video directed by Steve Mugo. 

'Pull Up' has definitely set up the tone for King Kaka's Happy Hour EP which is a celebration of all the good things in life such as family, love, friendship and success. Happy Hour EP will be released this November 30th and it will be King Kaka's thirteenth body of work.

Watch “Pull Up" on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZQJpYNRwWU