President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday morning met with the leadership team of the Kenya-UK Health Alliance (KUKHA) on the sidelines of the ongoing 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland.

The KUKHA team briefed the Head of State on the progress of the implementation of the broad strategic partnership including the roll-out of the Jomo Kenyatta  Scholarship programme and the building of  a state-of-the-art training centre at Kisii University.

The Jomo Kenyatta Scholarship is a specialised medical training and capacity enhancement programme that will see Kenyan healthcare providers trained in the UK in a wide array of specialised medical areas.

The scholarship will also provide for the exchange of postgraduate medical students between Kenya and the UK with a view of enhancing research capabilities and healthcare service delivery in the two countries top among them oesophagus and breast cancers which are rampant in Kenya.

The training centre at Kisii University will be a regional hub for healthcare research, innovation and training of advanced level medical personnel for Kenya and Eastern Africa countries.

Key among KUKHA's programmes in Kenya is the ongoing progressive set up of an oncology centre of excellence at the Kenyatta University Teaching  Research and Referral Hospital (KUTTRH), of which a world-class imaging facility has already been installed and was recently unveiled by President Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

In September this year, Health PS Susan Mochache was hosted by KUKHA in the UK during which the parties agreed to expand the partnership to include a mental health component to cover workforce exchange as well as the setting up of a new mental health facility for young persons under the age of 18 in Kenya.

President Kenyatta, who was accompanied to the meeting by Kenya's High Commissioner to the UK Amb Manoah Esipisu and State House Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy and Policy Mrs Ruth Kagia, assured the KUKHA team of the Government's commitment to ensure the partnership succeeds and thanked the alliance for the progress made in the implementation of the various programmes.

Kisii Governor JamesOngwae, an initiator of the KUKHA partnership, thanked the President for driving the initiative saying the programme will assist Counties in accelerating the achievement of the Universal Health Coverage pillar of the Government's Big 4 Agenda.

The Kisii Governor, who was accompanied by his County's Health CEC Sarah Omache, informed the President of KUKHA's plan to involve other universities, research institutions and medical training centres within the Lake Victoria basin region in the programmes of the health training centre being set up at Kisii University, on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, so as to benefit many more Kenyans.

Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir has called for strengthening of independence of county assemblies to enable them play the oversight role effectively.

Speaking during the official opening of the county assemblies sports association (CASA) games in Mombasa, Nassir said there is a need to relook at the public finance management act to ensure county assemblies are indepent.

" We need to relook at the public finance management act to ensure that assemblies are totally independent, and independence and autonomy can only come when people are going to be independent and to be autonomous financially as well" said Nasir.

Adding " What is going on currenttly in our counties that our finance CECs determine how the funds are spent, I think that is not the spirit of devolution. The spirit of devolution is to ensure the executive is kept on check and we can only keep the executive on check only if at all the assemblies are going to be independent."

Nassir who is also eyeing the Mombasa Governor seat called for the introduction of the ward developement fund to develope the wards.

"This is something that some of us are entrenching in our manifestos. We need a ward developement fund, even if an MCA does not agree with the governor that does not mean that people from his ward do not benefit from develepoment projects" he charged.

On his part  County Assembly Forum (CAF) secretary-general Kipkirui Chepkuon accussed some Governors of arm-twisting county assemblies thus compromising their oversight role.

"We are going to call out the executives that are stifling the county assemblies in due course because they are contributing to the failure in oversight and members welfare" said Chepkuon.

The government is now undertaking the second phase of the Dongo Kundu Bypass project after phase one was completed at a cost of Sh11 billion.

The second phase entails a 8.96 kilometer dual carriageway project, expected to cost Sh22 billion.

It will involve the construction of an interchange at the Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway and erection of two bridges, one at Mwache spanning 660 metres and another at Mteza straddling 1,440 metres. 

Transport CS James Macharia on Monday toured the project stating that phase two was going to be the most difficult one given that it will have to go across the sea.

"The most difficult part is this one here which comes from here Mwache and goes above the sea to Muteza because it is crossing three sections of the sea, in total we shall have a bridge of about 2.4 kilometers, " said Macharia.

Once completed, the CS said that the project will open up the South Coast and it will reduce cost and time used to crossover to and from the South Coast. 

It is also expected to serve the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and will boost trade and tourism.

"It will provide a very seamless alternative for people going to the South Coast and don't want to pass through Mombasa town, people can use the bridge to get to Mazeras without having to go round 40 kilometers," said Macharia.

A Japanese company Fujita is undertaking the second phase with the bridge expected to be ready by June 2022. 

Phase one of the bypass completed at a cost Sh39 billion was opened in 2018 and runs from Mombasa Port’s second container terminal and joins the Mombasa-Nairobi highway at Bonje, near Mazeras.

Phase three of the project will go from Muteza to Kibundani at the South Coast.

The CS said that the projects were being done under the 'Mombasa Port Area Development' which involves other major projects not only in the county but across the coastal region.

He stated that the Sh28 billion Changamwe roundabout interchange section will be ready by November and will allow for free flow of traffic paving way for heavy trucks going to the Port of Mombasa.

The construction of the Sh4.5 billion 457-metre-long Makupa Bridge is also expected to be ready by April next year to replace the old causeway that was constructed in 1929 and give back Mombasa it's island status.

"We have already put a provision for a commuter rail from Miritini all the way to Mombasa town to ease congestion as we do the Makupa bridge, it is difficult to avoid traffic while working on a very active road like this," said Macharia.

The CS also stated that the new Lamu Port will receive two new baths to add to the already existing three constructed at a cost Sh40 billion and expected to have 32 baths once completed, adding that it will put the port as a major transshipment centre across the region.

The CS also said that government was planning to dual the Mombasa-Malindi highway in two lots.

Lot one will be from the Nyali Bridge to Mtwapa then followed by Mtwapa to Kwa Kazengo in Kilifi.

"The Jubilee government has pumped in close to Sh3.6 trillion in mega investment projects at the Coast, we are proud of what the president and the government has done to ensure the region is developed," he said.

" This was his vision to make sure that we made the coast a totally different economic block," he added.

The government is also expected to undertake the Mombasa Gateway Bridge at a cost of Sh85 billion.

The 1.4km Mombasa Gateway Bridge, will connect Mombasa Island with South Coast substituting the 84-year-old ferry service that suffers perennial breakdowns that delay traffic flow to and from Mombasa.

The project was expected to begin in June this year and is expected to end by June 2024 according to the Mombasa Gate Bridge City Master plan.

Host Mombasa county men football team on Monday settled for 2-2 draw against Kakamega county in a hotly contested match of the County Assemblies Sports Association CASA games staged at the Mombasa sports club complex.

Team Mombasa composed of Mombasa county assembly members MCA's and staff pulled an impressive performance to lead with 2 goals in the first half of the match played under the sweltering heat of Mombasa.

Nicholas Otieno,pulled the charged crowd with a brace for Mombasa county assembly netting both goals in the 7 and 13 minutes of the play,a score that lasted up to the breather.

Otieno who works in the Mombasa county assembly communication department remained a thorn in the flesh of his opponents to remain the top scorer in the competition with two goals.

However,upon the kickoff of the second half,MCAs Charles Kitula of Frere town,Tobias Samba, of Tudor and Shebe Athman of jomvu kuu could not withstand pressure from Kakamega strikers, forcing them to succumb to two goals.

Kakamega striker Absom Andati,who is Igotse ward MCA  entered into the score sheet for his team in the 46 minutes of the play,one minutes just after the kickoff of  the first half.

Minutes later Harrison Shikuku,who is Koyonzo ward MCA took advantage of mistakes committed by Mombasa defensive side to level the scores in the 48 minutes after a spirited fight.

Earlier in the curtain riser match, Mombasa beat Nairobi county in the tag of war sport,in an encounter staged at the same venue.This years Competition will be staged in line with Covid-19 protocols.

The County Assemblies Sports Association CASA games kicked of in Mombasa yesterday with over forty counties taking part.

Chief guest who is the Mombasa county assembly speaker Harub Khatri,who spoke during the official opening ceremony thanked the government for lifting some of the Covid-19 restrictions to pave way for the sports competition in Mombasa.

"We thank the government for lifting some of the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19,to allow this sports to happen,as Mombasa county we feel honored to play host to this competitions,"said Khatri.

Some  of the counties taking part include Kericho,Baringo,Kakamega,Kitui,Machakos,Vihiga,makueni,kitui,Kilifi, Mombasa,Busia,Uasin Gishu,Siaya, Kisumu,Homabay county,Kisii,Nyamira county, Nairobi county,Kiambu county.

Part of the CASA competitions  include  sports culture, where 2019  Culture defending champions  Pokot county cultural dancer's entertained guests.Others include coast worriors of Mombasa,Kirumbizi of Lamu county and Mijikenda Dancers of Kilifi and Gonda dancers  of Mombasa

Other  sports activities include,Tag of war, football, volleyball, cultural dance, swimming and badminton.

Mombasa county secretary Job Tumbo said the sports competition will go a long way in promoting culture,cohesion and restoration of hope in times of crisis.

It is the third Edition after the 1st one was held in Nairobi County and Uasin- Gishu County respectively, a tournament expected to attract over 10,000 County staff players and supporters.

The games, which were to be held in June this year,  were shelved  due  Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, the games did not also take place due to the Covid situation. 

The county assembly sports association chairman, Peter Imwatok, said the tournament is set to to bring peace, cohesion and sensitize people on covid-19 vaccination

Some of the counties who did not participate are said to have been facing financial challenges ostensibly orchestrated by budget shortfalls from the treasury.

Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir has promised to ensure that money will flow into the pockets of Mombasa people if he is elected governor next year.

Nassir assured the residents that he would ensure that monies go into the pockets of the poor majority who are more deserving instead of the few rich.

He reiterated that the desire to see the majority poor elevate their lives pushed him to bring motions into the national assembly to push for the reopening of the economy that had adversely been affected by the pandemic especially a number of small micro-enterprises.

Nassir was addressing crowds at different stopovers in his meet-the-people tour in Shanzu, Kisauni constituency as he continued to drum up support for his Mombasa County 2022 gubernatorial bid.

“I want to tell you that our manifesto is to ensure that there is money in your pockets, we want to ensure that money will go into the pockets of the poor majority and not the few rich,” said Nassir.

Nassir said that together with other colleagues in the national assembly, they brought motions to lift the nationwide imposed curfew and also to bring back the kazi mtaani project that benefited close to 280,000 youth in all the 47 counties across the country.

He stated that the country was in dire need for the next economic liberation accusing the Jubilee administration for plunging the country into deep economic mess occasioned by corruption and heavy borrowing that has pushed the country’s debt ceiling to a record high.

“Right now the is the time for an economic liberation and the only person who can lead the that is the one who brought the democratic liberation, and that is non other than Raila Odinga,” said Nassir.

Nassir drummed up support for Raila’s sh6000 monthly stipend to 2 million vulnerable families in the country when he ascends to power bashing out deputy president William Ruto and allies who are opposed to it.

He further called on the people of Mombasa and the region at large to rally behind Odinga in his quest to become Kenya’s fifth president next year promising that he would revive Kenya’s struggling economy.

"While you (Ruto and allies) afford to enjoy chopper rides and are able to eat three square meals per day, remember there are people who cant even afford a sing meal and are also walking barefoot, these are the people Raila wants to help,” said Nassir.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended the Kenya Prisons Service for initiating several projects that support the achievement of the Government's Big 4 Agenda especially the food security and manufacturing pillars.

In food security, the President said Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) had put 1,400 acres of its land under commercial maize cultivation and was in the process of setting up a 30 tons per day flour mill at Naivasha Prison.

 He added that the correctional institution's Mwea farm was being expanded to 200 acres as part of ongoing transformation into a model rice production entity.

 “Farm machinery for production has been acquired, a modern rice store and mill house have been constructed while the procurement of a modern rice mill is ongoing.

 “Plans are also underway to produce certified potato seeds at Nyandarua Prison,” the President said.

 The Head of State spoke on Friday at the Prisons Staff Training College (PSTC) in Ruiru, Kiambu County where he presided over the passing-out-parade of Prisons Cadet Officers.

 The President noted that KPS had made strides in livestock production by introducing pedigree dairy cattle at its Ngeria and Shikusa farms, while improving the Boran beef herd at Kamiti Prison farm.

 On the manufacturing pillar, President Kenyatta commended KPS for putting up a water bottling plant that will enable Government agencies to procure drinking water at lower cost and save taxpayer’s money.

 He noted that KPS workshops have been revamped so as to continue training prisoners in various industrial craft and vocations, a critical aspect of the rehabilitation, reintegration and reduction of the tendency of convicted criminals to slide back into crime after serving their terms.

 “The above examples demonstrate that even though the offenders are within correctional facilities, they are not excluded from personal development and making valuable contributions to building the nation and achieving our shared aspirations,” President Kenyatta said.

 He said the Government is also implementing reforms to boost the welfare of KPS officers.

“I am pleased to state that we have made significant progress in uplifting the benefits and standards of living of our officers and their dependents.

“We have revamped accommodation facilities, introduced comprehensive healthcare and implemented continuous professional development that ensures that officers can upskill and improve themselves,” the President said.

At the same time, the Head of State directed the Ministry of Interior in consultation with stakeholders to develop a policy to safeguard the health and education of the children of incarcerated parents.

“During this period of their development, children need stable, safe, secure, stimulating and nurturing environments to enable them grow optimally and achieve their developmental potential regardless of the crimes committed by their parents,” the President said.

Noting that KPS had attained a Covid-19 vaccination average of 90 percent for inmates and over 80 percent for uniformed personnel, the President lifted the ban on visitation that had been imposed due to the pandemic.

“This critical mass can sufficiently provide herd immunity within the Kenya Prison Service fraternity; and is the basis upon which we will anchor the decision to review the moratorium on visitation of inmates imposed at the onset of Covid-19 pandemic,” the President said.

Besides presiding over the cadet officers pass-out-parade at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, the Head of State inaugurated the institution's 10,000 litre per day capacity water bottling plant and commissioned the construction of the Kenya Prisons Service Referral Hospital.

In his remarks, Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i thanked President Kenyatta for steering initiatives that have transformed KPS, and that his ministry will remain focused on supporting the President’s vision for the benefit of all Kenyans.

Several senior Government officials among them Cabinet Secretaries Mutahi Kagwe (Health), Joe Mucheru (ICT), Sicily Kariuki (Water) and Prof George Magoha (Education) attended the colourful passing-out-parade.

Mombasa businessman and gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has branded Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir a 'project' in the 2022 Mombasa gubernatorial contest.

According to Shahbal,  Nassir is being used by businesspeople and some politicians as a project to safeguard their interests.

Shahbal said he will work hard to ensure Nassir doesn’t get the seat as he will only be serving the interests of a few individuals if elected. 

“We all know my friend (Abdulswamad) is a project. He is being used by some businessmen and politicians. We will not allow it. This city must change,” he said. 

Both Shahbal and Nassir are fighting for the ODM ticket. 

At the same time, Shahbal has dismissed Nassir for calling himself a loyal party member but has done nothing tangible for the party.

“I have known Raila since 1998. We have gone together to different parts of this world to look for investment. Don’t tell me you are loyal,” he said. 

Shahbal said he is not running for Governor so that he can be called “His Excellency” or get any benefits from the County. 

“I am running for this position because I believe we can change this County. I believe we can create jobs for our people. I believe we can be united and bring development to this County,” he said.

Nassir who is also eyeing to take over from Hassan Joho as the county boss is banking on his ' Loyalty' to the ODM party arguing that he deserves the party ticket to run for the seat.

Last week ODM Mombasa Chairman Mohammed 'Dhee' Khamis said that the party has no preferred candidates for elective seats in the 2022 elections stating that they will conduct free and fair nominations.

“Officially, as far as the party is concerned, no one has come out to seek any elective positions here. Our register is still clean, But we promise all those seeking the seats through our party that we will have a free and fair nomination process" said Dhee

Kenyan female rapper Petra is set to release her new single featuring Tanzanian star AliKiba.

Petra has started teasing the song set for release on Saturday.

Pre-production videos from the video have also started making rounds on social media.

In one of the videos, Petra is seen sliding into the arms of AliKiba while seated, the other video shows Petra moving seductively towards Kiba's face for a sultry liplock. 

Watch the video below...

Nairobi acting Governor Ann Kananu has asked the county employees to do more to market the City as the festive season nears.

Kananu was speaking after meeting Jamaican dancehall star Shauna McKenzie popularly known by her stage name as Etana.

Etana will be the major attraction at the much anticipated Pamoja Festival at the Ngong Racecourse on October 30.

The concert is sponsored by The Kulture.

Kananu said since the county has been hitting headlines for its beauty, it is time to take advantage of the fame to showcase other sides of the city.

“Our county has been hitting headlines for its beauty especially in investment and business. It’s high time we took it a notch higher and show what else we can offer as we near the festive season," she said.

Kananu said despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Nairobi, which is also known as the "Green City in the Sun", continues to be a magnet for international celebrities because of its friendly people, rich culture, national parks as well as being a major commercial, transport and communications hub of Africa.

“The concert will promote the youth's businesses. Local vendors will be able to market and sell their products during the duration of the event. I fully support youth empowerment and self sustenance," she said.

Several artistes are lined up for performances including Wyre, Double Trouble, Dj Mash Kenya, Kiss Darlin, DJ Moh, DJ Vybrant among others.

In June, Etana released her album that featured various artists from Africa among them Wyre, Naiboi and Michael Bundi, Nandy from Tanzania, Wrxi from Zambia and Ghana's Stonebwoy. Other artistes featured in the album are king Vybz Kartel and Yahsha.

The album also features her cover version of Fadhili Williams classic song Malaika.

The acting Governor also lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for lifting the curfew and providing a platform for youth businesses to thrive.

She called upon Nairobi residents to ensure that they are vaccinated against Covid-19 and turn out in large numbers in the ongoing voters registration.

“We’re very happy with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s new directives. Let’s make sure we work tirelessly to revive our economy," she said.

During her tour at City Hall, Etana lauded Kananu's leadership saying she is the epitome of the strength of a woman.

“The city is clean. Actually when I landed, the very nicely lit city kept me wondering. I might prolong my stay in Nairobi to enjoy its beauty. Keep up the good work madam Governor,” Etana mused.

The "Walking Away" hitmaker's visit to the capital city will be the first major arrival and performance by an international celebrity in Kenya since March 2020 when the country was hit by the Covid- 19 pandemic.

Among the county executive members who were present included Winnie Gathagu (trade and tourism), Newton Munene (ICT and E-government), Hiten Majevdia (Health), Charles Kerich ( Lands, Urban Renewal).

Several MCAs were also present.

Gathugu said she will do what it takes to ensure the tourism sector in Nairobi is revamped.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that this festive season will be one of its kind. We want to experience a bigger number of holiday-makers and international tourists than the previous years,” she said

Audrey Hinya, the 15-year-old Kenyan songstress based in the US releases the music video of recent release “Party Don’t Stop” that references Camp Mulla on the song paying homage to their success.

The Amapiano track produced by Wizkid's debut album producer - Samklef, follows her successful debut single “More Than Friends”.

Although the new single talks about partying, it’s an encouragement to push through regardless of the challenges, in thoughts, feelings or emotions.

Ahead of the release, Audrey says, “Party Don’t Stop is a reminder to prioritize your inner peace, after everything,”

Adding, “I wrote this song after self reflection that made me celebrate my wins. It’s easy to lose sight of all the amazing things when negativity is at bay, so just get back up because the party don’t stop.”

Listen to “Party Don’t Stop”

Watch “Party Don’t Stop” music video

The “Party Dont Stop” music video directed by Yahu edits from Trakmasters edits depicts a sci-fi never ending party.

The visuals show scenes from a loud, busy classroom setting with an exasperated teacher which transforms into a fun-filled concert. The inspiration behind the music video was vibrancy; living life colourfully and to the fullest.

Taking a scenario from when being in a happy element makes one feel so colorful inside; so in correlation with the beautiful message behind the song, the music video is to portray a visualization of what having a good time feels like.

The release of this music video marks a major milestone in her career as it's her debut music video. Audrey Hinya had this to say on the release of her first music video.

She says,  “ I am grateful to my extraordinary mother who has been nothing but supportive and dedicated to me as an artist. I’m blessed to have her unconditional support and love for my craft. I’m beyond grateful to have two such amazing people be a part of my team.”

Adding “They made my first experience pleasurable. I learned a lot and have a new found respect for independent artists who plan, budget, write and direct their music videos. I am truly happy the audience this music video has captured both young and old and excited to read all the supportive feedback.”

Audrey’s mentor King Kanja also recently released a second hit collaboration, “Like This” with Santos Silva and longtime friend Bobby V which is up for Grammy consideration for Best Global Music Performance.

An ecstatic Kanja shared after their promotional tour and concert: “ Doing shows with my friend Bobby V is beyond amazing. First and foremost he is an R&B icon and his energy is very inspiring watching him on stage, so when he brings me out and I bounce off his energy it is definitely a magical experience to see live in concert.”