President Uhuru Kenyatta is today evening set to begin a three-day State Visit to South Africa.

The President’s State Visit, at the invitation of his host President Cyril Ramaphosa, is geared towards deepening the existing mutually beneficial ties between Kenya and South Africa.

On Tuesday, November 23, President Kenyatta will be hosted to a formal welcome ceremony by President Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official seat of the South African Government.

Briefing the press in her office in Pretoria ahead of President Kenyatta's arrival, Ambassador Catherine Muigai Mwangi said the highlight of the visit will be a bilateral meeting at the Union Buildings where some memoranda of understanding (MOUs) will be signed to anchor the engagement of the two countries in a number of areas.

“It is indeed an exciting visit for both Kenya and South Africa. We have an excellent programme for His Excellency, the President.

“Of course the highlight of the visit will be his meeting with the President of South Africa, His Excellency President Ramaphosa, at a bilateral meeting which will be attended by both principals and their delegations,” Amb Mwangi said.

Amb Mwangi pointed out that MOUs on migration matters, tourism and diplomatic consultations are some of the key diplomatic instruments that are expected to be signed at the Tuesday high-level bilateral meeting.

“The MOUs form the framework within which Kenya and South Africa will work together in some of these areas,” the Kenyan High Commissioner to South Africa said.

Amb Mwangi explained that the MOU on migration will be a precursor to establishing a visa-free regime for Kenyans travelling to South Africa, adding that this is a reciprocal move because South Africans already enter Kenya without visas.

On the MOU on tourism, Amb Mwangi said the agreement will look at all elements of tourism including opportunities for investment to grow the sector in the two countries as well as providing a platform to exchange experiences and lessons learnt.

“Because tourism is such an important sector for Kenya, it is essential that we look at every opportunity to increase tourist numbers and improve on our products,” she said.

Besides the bilateral meeting, President Kenyatta and his host will also preside over a joint Kenya-South Africa Business Forum to further explore new areas of economic, trade and investment cooperation.

Amb Mwangi said about 100 Kenyan business leaders are expected to attend the business forum.

“This is a big opportunity because trade and trade-related matters as well as investment are of great importance to both countries. This is an area that we are looking forward to strengthening, deepening and indeed cementing,” Amb Mwangi said.

President Kenyatta’s programme in South Africa also includes a visit to the Aspen Pharmacare, the South African-based subsidiary of Aspen, a global multinational pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccines.

Kenya and South Africa share longstanding, mutually beneficial relations that predate Kenya’s historic support for the struggle against apartheid and colonialism in South Africa.

The strategic partnership between the two nations is underpinned by common values and principles.

Both nations are committed to democracy, good governance and respect for human rights including the emancipation of women and the full realisation of gender equality.

South Africa established diplomatic relations with Kenya in 1992, with a Joint Commission for Cooperation Agreement enabling the highest form of bilateral engagements conducted at the Ministerial level.

Evan Williams is an 11-year-old boy from Nairobi, Kenya who has written a short adventure story for children and is planning to use his talent to raise half a million Kenyan Shillings for local charity, Usikimye.

The book, called Mason’s Mission, is now available to buy online in an electronic format and Evan is hoping to sell 1,000 copies in order to meet his goal.

Usikimye (www.usikimye.org) is an organization working towards ending the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The organisation exists to ensure that women, girls and boys from Kenya and its environs are safe and free from violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse and have safe access to high-quality comprehensive responses that are appropriate to their individual needs, vulnerabilities, capacities while at the same time are age and gender-sensitive.

Despite being reliant on well wishers donations, Usikimye runs a number of programs.

Usikimye has 3 SGBV Rescue Shelters, a SGBV response hotline (the first 24/7 non-government-funded GBV hotline in Kenya -0800-000-999), Inua Binti (A Pandemic Mitigation Program On the Sex For Pads shadow pandemic), a feeding Program for children in informal settlements of the Soweto Slum (14,000 plates a month).

A Mental Health Platform, Kenya’s 1st centralized GBV service providers database called Tunawiri (a collective referral program of the network of 400 civil society organizations) and artistic and librarian literacy program for disadvantaged and underpriviledged girls in informal settlements.

Evan is determined to help children live their best lives. “I am fortunate to live in a safe, loving and healthy home. I would like to help those that don’t have this privilege." 

He adds "I think that Usikimye are doing a really good job of keeping people safe and I thought that if I sold my book, I could find a way to support the work that they are doing.”

Njeri Migwi of Usikimye says  “Our organisation operates entirely on donations. Without the support of the public, we cannot continue to offer the resources and services we do to those who are victims of Gender Based Violence or abuse."

Adding "If Evan is able to reach his target and sell 1,000 copies of his eBook, those funds will enable us to provide 240 survivors a month with safe housing, access to food and medical care; provide 108,000 plates of food to school-going children in Soweto Slum; give 6,000 girls a sanitary towel a month and provide thousands of GBV survivors with rescue support through the contact center.”

Greenspoon, Kenya’s top purveyor of quality, sustainable food, have agreed to sell the eBook through their online shop as part of their core philosophy of being a purpose driven company that does business for good.

The eBook, which is available now www.greenspoon.co.ke for KSH550.00, is about 12-year-old Mason and his epic adventure searching for treasure in the Grand Canyon.

On his mission, he takes on a host of challenges and meets a number of interesting characters.

Fast-paced and action-packed, Mason’s Mission is a fun read that will not only keep you enthralled, but also leave you thinking about the real treasures in your life.

Together, Evan Williams, Usikimye and Greenspoon, are proving that no matter who we are, where we come from, or even how old we are, we all have the resources to make a difference and change lives for the better.

The Rashid Abdallah super cup kicked off in style on Saturday, 20 November 2021 at the Waa Primary school in Kwale county.

The tournament organised by Citizen Tv news anchor Rashid Abdallah has attracted a total of 16 local teams.

In the opening match of women's soccer, Kenya's fifth grade Calcium Primary School girl Mariam Chungwa scored three goals and helped her team Swabrina Queens FC beat Kombani Queens FC 3-0.

In the men's Zone D match, the Wailers FC team reached the quarter-finals with a 2-2 draw with Albion FC.

Former Harambee stars coach Mohammed Kheri was among the guests at the launch of the tournament.

In his speech, Kheri called for the creation of a youth football academy to help raise the standards of the sport.

Kheri regretted that the current state of football in the country is in a sorry state noting that more needs to be done to improve the sport.

"If we disband the football federation and we don't get organised, we’ll not be doing anything, ” said Kheri.

Kheri was also feted for his efforts to improve standards of the sport in Kenya.

The main aim of the tournament is to promote local talents and ensure the youth stay out of vices like drugs and crime.

"I have organised this competition to get young people, women and the elderly to join in the goal of nurturing football talent in our area," charged Abdalla.

A tea buyer registered his third victory to be crowned the overall winner during this year’s Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] annual golf tournament played at the Mombasa golf club in Mombasa county.

Tirus Githaiga, playing off on an improved 12.9 handicap, managed to beat140 golfers during the one day tournament after posting 40 points when he scored 20 points on the first nine holes and another 20 points on the second nine holes. 

Peter Gathuri playing off on 11.6 handicap won in the men's category after posting 40 points through scoring 20 points on the first nine holes and  another 20 points in the second nine holes.

The men's runners up award went to Evans Murumba playing off on 24.5 handicap after he posted 39 points.

He scored 17 points on his first nine holes and 22 points on the second nine holes.

The club secretary Paul Munyao won the third award in the men's category after he posted 38 points on count back.

Playing off on 19.5 handicap he managed to score 18 points on the first nine holes and 20 points on the second nine holes.

Petronilah Kalee playing off on 30.4 handicap won in the lady's category after posting 35 points.

She scored 19 points on the first nine holes and 16 points on the second nine holes with runners up award going to Provia Adhiambo with 33points. 

Japheth Odhiambo won the staff award after posting 37 points with  Charles Odoo winning the runners up award after posting 33 points. 

The third award in the staff category went to Biadi Sharbad after she posted 32 points with Amos Mbubi winning the fourth award.

Guest winner award went to Shuji Saito after posting 29 points on count back with the runners up award going to Dickson Kaburi after posting 29 points.

The awarding ceremony was presided over by KPA General Manager Corporate Services Edward Kamau on behalf of  acting KPA Managing Director Amb John Mwangemi.

Former KPA board of directors’ chairman Major General (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana was in attendance.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has applauded the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) for inspiring and raising a growing number of African women leaders on the continent and beyond through its targeted initiatives.

“I am applauding the development of an African Women Leaders Network website and the Digital Mentorship Platform to facilitate continuous yearlong interactions between the mentors and the mentees,” President Kenyatta said.

Further, the President commended AWLN for its youth empowerment initiatives among them a comprehensive mentorship programme saying the interventions are helping African youth to become productive members of their communities.

The Kenyan Head of State's statement was delivered through a video recording on Thursday evening at this year's third AWLN retreat on women leadership in Africa hosted by Kenya.

While citing the various successful interventions implemented by AWLN, President Kenyatta challenged the organization to leverage on the opportunities presented by several multilateral initiatives including the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance the participation of women in Africa's transformation journey.

“With the starting of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), I urge African Women Leaders Network to seize this as an opportunity to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of our young women to enter this market and create jobs for themselves and their families,” he said.

The President supported the push by AWLN for a protocol on women in trade in the AfCTA framework saying the proposal would help build the capacity of African women to participate more in the continent's socioeconomic transformation through commerce.

He particularly applauded AWLN for its support for the Kenyan chapter of Generation Equality Forum, the United Nations gender campaign, saying the backing has assisted the lobby group to complement Government efforts in the advancement of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.

“The Generation Equality Agenda in Kenya builds on other commitments made within the context of other major frameworks.  These include the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD+25) that Kenya hosted in 2019, the commitment I made in Vancouver in June 2019 to end Female Genital Mutilation, during my administration, as well as building on progress made to end Gender Based Violence,” the President said.

Once again, the President reiterated Kenya's support for Generation Equality Forum whose aim is to create real change in the lives of women and girls noting that the country's move towards ending gender based violence and female genital mutilation by 2026 was on course.

“Kenya is proud to co-lead the Action Coalition on Gender Based Violence. In June, this year, at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris, I made concrete commitments to accelerate progress towards the achievement of gender equality and the elimination of Gender Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation by 2026,” he said.

Launched in 2017 with the backing of the African Union and the United Nations, AWLN aims at enhancing the leadership of African women in the transformation of the continent in line with Africa Agenda 2063.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sacked the Commissioner-General of Kenya Prisons Service Wycliffe Ogalo following the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison jail break involving three terror convicts.

Ogalo has now been replaced by Brigadier (Rtd) John Kibaso Warioba .

"The appointment follows the briefing to the Head of State from the Ministry responsible for Correctional Services regarding the security breaches at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison that led to the escape of three inmates." reads a statement from State house Spokesperson Kanze dena.

Adding "The briefing noted the compelling public interest in the matter and the need to entrench accountability in the ranks of the leadership of all security organs; in honourof themany Kenyans who have lost their lives and the enormous sacrifices made by all Kenyans and particularly the security organs to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terror networks."

The three escapees are Musharraf Abdalla Akhulunga a.k.a Zarkarawi, Mohammed Ali Abikar and Joseph Juma Odhiambo.

In the statement, the President also directed the state department of correctional services to take discplinary action against all officers who were on duty that day.

"In keeping with our ethos of good governance, in the intervening period and pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations, the State Department of Correctional Services has similarly been directed to sanction disciplinary action against all Kenya Prisons Service personnel who were on duty when the security breaches occurred; which action shall include redeployment and/or immediate suspension of all affected officers."

Seven wardens at the Kamiti Maximum Prison have so far been arrested following the escape of the three convicts who were serving jail terms for terrorism-related crimes.

The president further urged all Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies as we all have a shared duty to defend and protect our freedoms and way of life that is at risk with the rising threats of terror within the region.

Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (ANC) party has yet again made another political win in Mombasa after an advisor to Mombasa governor Haasan Joho, Khamis Mwaguya joined the party.

Mwaguya a close ally of Governor Hassan Joho is eyeing the Mombasa senatorial seat in 2022,

Mwaguya who also served as the county executive in charge of Trade and Tourism between 2015 and 2019 unsuccesful contested for the same seat in the 2017 general election but lost to Mohammed Faki.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Mwaguya confirmed the move insisiting that he is confident of clinching the seat in 2022.

"Yes, I have officially joined UDA" said Mwaguya.

Adding " This is where my people want us to be. This is now our home"

He was received to the party by Deputy President William Ruto at his Karen residence, Nairobi.

"Deeply honoured to have been received by HE deputy President William Ruto in Karen as I embark on my Journey to be the Senator of Mombasa in 2022." he posted on social media.

Adding "His people centred agenda resonates well with our people and the Majority of Kenyans. A people focused and responsive Government is what Kenyans look forward to come 2022.

His move come just days after Governor Hassan Joho's cousin Mohammed Amir also joined UDA.

Amir is also eyeing the Mombasa senatorial seat

Amir joined the party on Monday and was received by former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar.

Ann Kananu has officially taken over as the third Governor of Nairobi City County.

This is after she was sworn in on Tuesday in a brief ceremony officiated by Lady Justice Lilian Mutende at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).

She takes over as the first female governor of the Capital Nairobi.

In her oath of office, Kanani vowed to deliver quality services to the millions of Nairobi residents and uphold the constitution of Kenya.

“I shall strive to uphold the constitutional provisions, notably:  Chapter 6 on leadership and integrity; Article 10 on National Values and Principles of Governance; and Article 232 on Values and Principles of Public Service. I can confidently state that with your support, I am up to the task and I will serve you to the very best of my ability,” stated Kananu.

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office at COMESA grounds within KICC, Kananu also promised to cushion Nairobi residents and businesses from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My tenure comes at a time when the City, like the rest of the country, is reeling from the social and economic impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Individuals, households, communities, and businesses have suffered immensely through loss of lives, livelihoods, and freedom,” she said.

“As your Governor and as a mother, I feel your pain! And it is for this reason that during my tenure in the office, I have focused on cushioning Nairobi residents and businesses from the impact of the pandemic."

The new Governor further urged City residents to take advantage of the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive and ensure their families and friends are vaccinated.

Kananu is now the first female Governor of Nairobi City and the third woman Governor in Kenya since the onset of devolution in 2013.

“I am privileged to join governors Charity Ngilu and Anne Waiguru as the country’s first female Governors. Today marks yet another milestone for women and girls in Kenya. It’s, therefore, our hope that this day serves as an important mark to encourage more women to come forward to participate in the governing of this great nation and provide leadership,” she said.

Kananu has been in office since January 2021 as acting Governor and deputy Governor following the removal of Mike Sonko from office in December 2020.

Kananu had been nominated as Deputy Governor by her predecessor Mike Sonko.

Among those who attended the functions included Cabinet Secretary- Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ms Margret Kobia and Chief Administrative Secretary-Ministry Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ms. Rachel Shebesh.

Others were Chairman Council of Governors Martin Wambora, NMS boss General Lieutenant Mohamed Badi, Nairobi City County Assembly Speaker Hon. Benson Mutura, Deputy Governor Nyeri County Ms. Caroline Karugu, Nairobi Assembly leadership, Members of Parliament among other guests.

Award-winning Kenyan Star, Khaligraph Jones has announced his partnership with Galactic Kenya, a leading mobile phones and accessories shop.

The partnership deal includes sale of Khaligraph's branded mobile accessories such as Headphones, USB cables, power banks and ear phones among other things that will be available at various outlets within and outside Nairobi. 

Speaking about why he chose Galactic Kenya, Khaligraph said, "Everything is built on relationships and my partnership with Galactic is based on the friendship that has existed between us over the years. This venture is something new, fresh, game changer and it's going to elevate the game, industry and Kenya as a country. "

"I and the entire Galactic team are thrilled that such a distinctive industry professional as Khaligraph Jones agreed to partner with us on this venture, " said Sam K, President of Galactic Kenya.

Adding "Khaligraph brings his exceptional brand in the 254 entertainment scene and also his energy to our growing company. This partnership will particularly help our team boost strategic and brand positioning in the tech and music industr ."

Fans and revelers were later treated to an afternoon of music, dance competition from various dance crews. 

Galactic Kenya mobile accessories are affordable, durable and of good quality and can be found at their experience store along Kenyatta Avenue, next to The Stanley Hotel and other dealership shops within the city center.