The Kenya Ports Authority(KPA) has today commissioned a newly constructed Dockyard tug jetty, a critical facility for the repair, servicing and fueling of marine crafts at the Port of Mombasa.

The modern jetty is a vital infrastructure that will improve immensely the maximum availability of marine crafts contributing to a faster ship turnaround time.

It is a modern facility connected to the land side by means of an access trestle of the same construction design as the main jetty.

Floating marine crafts play a crucial in port operations since Mombasa Port is classed as compulsory pilotage port, that further requires towing by harbour tugs, pilot and mooring boats with each playing a huge role in securing vessels that call the port to quay.

Speaking during the ceremony, KPA Board Chairman General Retired Joseph Kibwana noted that the new facility will hasten the repair and maintenance of the marine crafts further boosting efficiency and productivity at the Port of Mombasa.

On his part KPA acting Managing director Eng Rashid Salim said the new tug jetty which cost the Authority, 480 million to complete has overall length of 50m.

"It will accommodate all our harbour tugs as a temporary resting place and during the refilling of provisions and maintenance. In this respect, I would like to note particularly that the arrangement of the new tug jetty structural members is designed to meet local load transfer and stability requirements." said Salim.

Adding "The old and dilapidated jetty was often cited as an obstacle to efficient marine craft maintenance and posing as a workplace hazard or endangering the safety of users.Some mobile crane operators were reluctant to workon the old jettyas they feared the structure could collapse and plunge with them into the ocean."

The old Jetty made of reinforced concrete deck on tubular steel piles was constructed in the early 1950s.

French-Canadian Nigerian singer Töme has dropped her latest single titled Nana.

Töme’s latest song. “Nana,” is a blend of afrobeats’ tonality with the poignant lyricism of the indie-folk music of her childhood, creating an eclectic brand of music that’s at once roomy and relatable.

Töme released her sophomore album last year titled - #BiggerThan4Walls-Chapter 2 a sequel to her debut album – Tomesroom- Chapter 1. The album did well and earned her a nomination at the awards in Canada. 

The single is from her upcoming Extended play dubbed Dreams set for release later this year. 

Speaking about the song, Töme says, “I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to boys/men and relationships, you need to make sure you know what YOU want and if they don’t like it, we'll you can’t hear them”. 

Töme has cemented her entry into the music industry broadening the scope of afro-fusion, Töme stands out with her intuitive melodies and searing lyricism, she mixes the best of both worlds for music that speaks to the experience of being Nigerian without being within the geographical confines of the country.

Töme’s 2020 album, Bigger Than 4 Walls, pulsated with genteel sashays and calming influences that segued, at times, into a warm party feel.

The first song from a forthcoming project, “Nana” signals Töme operating in a pocket of sound that’s fundamentally attuned to her unique strengths.

She makes a tribute to her individualism over an ebbing instrumental, packing in lyrical choices that urge her to move on despite what might be happening in her life at the moment.

Töme is set to jet into the country early next month for a listening party and media tour to popularize her single and upcoming EP. 

Former Taita Taveta woman representative turn gospel singer Joyce Lay has dropped her family name 'Lay' and adopted a new stage name.

Through her instagram page, Joyce said she will be using 'Jewel' as her stage name adding her husband doesn't want to be associated with what she is called to do.

"I will not use my family name Lay anymore. I'm forced to pick a stage name. I am Jewel. This is because of my special mission with God," she stated.

Adding "My husband doesn't want to bne associated with what am called to do. I truly understand him. So he said that, I have to drop the family name , if i'm determined to follow my dreams . I chose the latter. I will follow my dreams to the end. This is what will lead to my success and fullfilment".

This comes just months after she stated that she will no longer go back to politics.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2238-politics-sorry-not-interested-joyce-lay.

Joyce is set to release her first video titled 'Holy' soon.

Kenyan Afro-pop band, Sauti Sol are the new Brand Ambassadors for Infinix.

The tech company announced on Wednesday that the top-performing afro-pop band will be featured in a new integrated campaign for Infinix which will run across TV, print and online channels and in-store.

According to the company, the choice of Sauti Sol as brand ambassadors is informed by the band’s youth focus.

"Sauti Sol are not only the best fit but the natural choice for the path we as a youth-centered brand aim to pursue. They are the very embodiment of why young people should make their own way through life regardless of the challenges they face along the way.” said Mike Zhang, Infinix brand manager, Kenya.

On their part, the Grammy award winning band  believes that Infinix has not only carved a niche as a strong sponsor of the African Creative Industry but has also been a great supporter of the Kenyan Music Industry.

“We chose to work with Infinix as they have a strong sponsor of African Creative Industry, and have been a great supporter of the Kenyan Music Industry. Their business model is collaborative, inclusive and strongly hedged on innovation. They wanted to co-create a campaign whose pillars capture the essence of both businesses, more so, a campaign that is transformative,” said Moriasi Omambia, Sauti Sol, Kenya.

Adding "“This rang true to us, and we are glad to not only work with Infinix but, with their vast network of affiliate businesses which range from music technology solutions, fitness & lifestyle technology and app development solution. This is a strong partnership with is not only about the great phones we are launching together but also about the possibilities of creating a transformative model of technology companies working with the creative industry,”

Moriasi is an entertainment, IP and business lawyer who represents the interests of Sauti Sol Entertainment.

This campaign rolls out from June 16 when the company will be officially launching the new Infinix NOTE 10 Series to the Kenyan market.

Infinix says it has been keen on seriously promoting diversity and inclusivity in every aspect of its business in Kenya.

Police disrupted a United Democratic Alliance [UDA] meeting of aspirants drawn from the coast region held at the posh Terrace Villas Resorts in Nyali Mombasa county.

The law enforcement officers gave the participants at the forum thirty minutes to vacate the venue or face arrest.

The first batch of law enforcement officers arrived just as party National chairman Johnstone Muthama had finished making his opening remarks.

The move prompted the party security detail to whisk him and Secretary General Veronica Maina away from the meeting venue to evade police arrest.

The two were tipped of the presence of police officers at the venue of the meeting before being whisked away by their security detail.

Muthama, who is a former Machakos senator, had ended making his opening remarks at the meeting which was snubbed by local party bigwigs.

The police officers from Nyali police station ordered party aspirants to vacate the venue in less than thirty minutes or face arrest.

The UDA Secretary General was taking the participants through the party constitution and party primaries guideline before she was whisked away from the venue.

There were protests from party delegates as confusion set in while others went for a health break with the police threatening to lobby teargas canisters at them.

Outside the posh hotel a contingent of a reinforcement of police officers were ready to lobby teargas canisters into the hotel.

Nyali sub county  police commander Daniel Masaba told journalists all public gatherings have been suspended and therefore the meeting was against the government’s directives.

"No gathering of people like this is allowed, especially political meeting," said Masaba.

He said the government has banned all gatherings due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic arguing that he won’t allow such meetings to take place.

He said to make matters worse the hotel never notified the local police station of the intended meeting.

Speaking separately at Tamarind hotel in Mombasa county Muthama condemned the disruption of the forum and refuted claims that they had flouted the health protocols and guidelines.

“There was social distance as required and we avoided overcrowding by ensuring there was minimum number of participants,” he pointed out.

The UDA leader said the forum was a private meeting but they were surprised to see law enforcement ordering the meeting to be called off.

On her part the Secretary General blamed the police for the manner in which they acted to disrupt their private meeting.

Veronica insisted the meeting was being held in compliance with the guidelines to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

She told journalists the meeting adhered with the health protocol which they followed to the letter.

“We are surprised the incident which had happened in Meru had to also happen today in Mombasa county,” she pointed out.

Singer Tomi Thomas is ushering in a new wave of mainstream Afrobeat music with his latest EP, Hopeless Romantic.

The burgeoning artist is winning over audiences with his fresh perspective and absolute passion.

The project boasts the influence of multiple genres from the get with sweet serenades to upbeat movers and shakers like "Gogo Dancer," the Hopeless Romantic EP is a unique mix of modern sounds of the African music scene.

It showcases six tracks to include the single "Hopeless Romantic" plus the hit song "Again" and the debut of "Hurricane" featuring dancehall icon Buju Banton.

Listen to the Hopeless Romantic EP: HERE

Africa is a hotbed of talent with unmatched creativity, and Tomi Thomas is at the forefront of the current iteration of the movement.

"The music from within will always transcend time and space," he recently reflected.

As witnessed with his growing fandom and increased visibility in the media, Tomi is rapidly becoming a global phenomenon.

He is making an impression with influential people and industry insiders.

The "Hopeless Romantic" total streams count already over one million, and the "Again" music video garnered over half a million views within the first month of release.

Added to that, the excitement of the Buju Banton feature is already causing a stir as music lovers eagerly await the collaboration with Tomi. 

Track Listing: 

1. Love Me Now
2. Hopeless Romantic
3. Again
4. Gogo Dancer
5. Waiting
6. Hurricane (ft. Buju Banton)

Tomi Thomas is a dedicated professional thriving as a solo act with limitless talent and potential.

He gained traction with "Who Knew" and, more recently, made some noise with the remix version of "Hopeless Romantic" featuring Stylo G.

The artist ventured out independently after years in the popular musical group Loud On Sound (LOS).

In releasing his debut album, the single "Ready Or Not" reached #1 on the Soundcity Nigeria's Top 10 Chart. Tomi Thomas joins the ranks of recognized Nigerian artists Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Prettyboy D-O, Patoranking, and Fireboy DML on the world stage. 

South African Music Awards nominated, afrotronic musician, Th&o. (pronounced Thando) delivers the new visual for his debut album, Ebusuku with a short film embodying the feel of the album.

Ebusuku which means “night time” in isiZulu was meant to capture Th&o.’s experience of solitude through his deeply conceptual album. In the Aadil Dhalech directed short film, Th&o. gives fans a visual representation through a cyclical journey. The cinematic and suspenseful visual includes three songs from the Th&o.’s debut LP, including the much buzzed about lead single, “Prosecco” along with “Body Like A Gun” and “Ghosting”.

Straddling between reality and the imaginary, the Ebusuku short film starts with Th&o. on a lonely drive only to see what looks like a pit stop in the middle of nowhere. The events that take place thereafter unfold into the mystical and bizarre as he accepts a drink from a stranger. On his album, Th&o. begins with the question, “The nighttime came for me, where is the off switch?” This short film will not provide the answer. However, it will take you on a journey which suggests that maybe the nighttime does not have a switch.

Th&o. had the following to say about the film, “The album and short film were inspired by how I processed certain situations and emotions during the revolving relationship I’ve had with the night. Strangely, this all came as a result of being nocturnal for over 10 years. The film was also inspired by a lot of the Japanese films I was into at the time; they were mostly about the Yakuza or Samurais. I have always been a fan of those genres of films. The director, Aadil, is about that world too, so he easily understood exactly where I wanted to go with this visual.”

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Th&o.’s unique sound encapsulates both alternative and electronica with elements of indie and funk. This is a perfect description as his musical influences include everyone from Mark Ronson and Jamiroquai to N*E*R*D and Fela Kuti. It is these sounds and influences that helped Th&o. create Ebusuku, which has been nominated under the Best Alternative category at this year’s SAMAs (South African Music Awards).

The nomination comes just after Th&o.’s single, “Moya Omubi” from Ebusuku was featured on the 2021 blockbuster Coming 2 America soundtrack entitled Rhythms of Zamunda.

Having already caught the attention & praise of such influencers and legends like Joe Budden and Jermaine Dupri along with brands like Adidas and Apple Music, Th&o. is quickly staking his claim to become a global superstar that everyone should know about!

Ugandan fast rising sensation Martha Mukisa is back with a new single titled - Tebatukyawa.

The single is a love song sung in Luganda about a lady in love and is keen fighting for her love despite the storms they face. The chorus says that in her family they don't let go, they fight it out.

Watch Tebatukyawa: https://youtu.be/w_elD52nIAg 

Tebatukyawa is Martha’s second single in 2021m this follows her collaboration with award winning Ugandan artiste - Eddy Kenzo #Sango that was also featured in his Ep.

The new single has been directed by Elly V Mugisa for Black Magic films.

Watch Sango: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pagQHPCE6iM 

Speaking about her new single, “Tebatukyawa,” Martha explains “This is a song about loving someone and not wanting to let them go. In my family when we love we dont let go no matter what happens. It’s dedicated to everyone in love out there, fight for your love . Love is such a strong feeling and when one is loved correctly even in the storms you will not be moved.”

Watch International Local: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmuIX_8dtdU

Martha Mukisa was signed to Black Magic Entertainment last year and has been on a roll releasing hit after hit.

She is currently back in the studio to finish her EP that was due for release last year until corona happened.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged civilians institutions to emulate the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) efficiency in public service delivery.

The President noted that KDF had demonstrated good work ethic in their service to the nation, especially in the revival of key infrastructural and economic projects, saying their efficiency has saved the country large sums of money.

“I only wish our civilian operators, our civilian administrators if they could only do a quarter of what is being done by Kenya Defence Forces then Kenya will be transformed,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State told off those criticizing the involvement of KDF in the delivery of public projects, saying the military has the capacity to double up as the country's protector and implementer of crucial development programmes.

“Those complaining about KDF being awarded projects to an extent of seeking court interventions should understand that KDF are Kenyans who deserve equal opportunity needless to say that the same hand that carries a gun is the same hand that can handle a hoe,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State listed a number of projects that have been successfully delivered by the military in recent years such as the revived Kenya Meat Commission, saying the Government had lost large sums of money in unsuccessful attempt to salvage such industries.

President Kenyatta, who spoke at Kisumu Port during the launch of the Kenya Shipyards Limited and laying the keel for the construction of new cargo shop, MV Uhuru II, said the revival of the port is a dream come true for the East African Community founding fathers.

“This is a dream our forefathers had but died because of our weaknesses. We have started to revive the dream so that our youth will have good jobs. This dream is being actualized because of the peace we have," the President said.

At the event also attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the President said the full revival of Kisumu Port will improve Kenya's social and commercial relations with the neighbouring countries, and reposition Kisumu City as Kenya’s frontier for regional trade and logistics.

“With an international airport, a pier, and a railway station, this city (Kisumu) will actualize the vision that the founding fathers of our three East African nations had in the East African Cooperation,” the President said.

The President, who was accompanied by visiting Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, noted that the revamped Kisumu shipyard, which currently employs 300 people, will in coming weeks engage many more people as the building of MV Uhuru II kicks off.

Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi also spoke at the event which was attended, Cabinet Secretaries, service commanders and other senior government officials.

Later, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Burundi counterpart commissioned the revamped MV Uhuru cargo ship and the new Marine School, and inspected the ongoing dredging of the Port.

The Kenya Marine School is a Kenya Railways owned college that was started in mid-60's to train personnel for the defunct East Africa Railways and Harbors.

The training institution is being revived as part of the grand Government plan to create business and employment opportunities for Kenyans in the blue economy sector.

Kenya and Burundi on Monday signed several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two East African nations.

The cooperation agreements on agriculture, public service, foreign affairs, trade, sports and culture were signed in Kisumu at the start of a two-day State Visit to Kenya by President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.

The Burundi leader, who is accompanied by First Lady Angeline Ndayubaha Ndayishimiye, arrived in the country Monday morning and was received by his host, President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

Addressing the press shortly after leading their respective delegation in bilateral talks, President Kenyatta said the two countries have agreed to strengthen and deepen their long-standing fraternal relations with the aim of fostering sustained socio-economic development.

“The cooperation between our two countries is built on a solid foundation of shared values and principles; to foster sustained socio-economic development and transformation of our two countries, a vibrant and united East African Community, and an integrated and prosperous Africa,” President Kenyatta.

The Kenyan leader said that there are enormous untapped business opportunities between Bujumbura and Nairobi, and directed relevant ministries to review and address bottlenecks inhibiting growth of trade and investment between the two East African countries.

President Kenyatta announced a resolution by Kenya and Burundi to prioritise education in their post-Covid-19 recovery plans, and that the two countries would back the 4th replenishment campaign of the Global Partnership Education (GPE), which aims to raise at least USD5 billion for investment in education.

President Kenyatta and his Burundi counterpart said they will continue working together in advancing the African agenda on the global stage, and reiterated their countries commitment to the progress of the East African Community (EAC).

“On regional cooperation, we exchanged views on various development matters in the East African Community (EAC); and reaffirmed our commitment to continue working together in championing the EAC integration agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063.

“On international cooperation, we reiterated our commitment to continue working closely at the level of the United Nations (UN), with a view to advancing the Common African Agenda for Integration and Sustainable Development,” President Kenyatta said.

As part of efforts to strengthen Kenya-Burundi bilateral ties, the  two leaders agreed to review the 2018 Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation agreement with a view of ensuring expeditious implementation of agreed upon agreements.

On his part, President Ndayishimiye expressed his gratitude to President Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for the role the country played in stabilizing Burundi through international peace-keeping efforts, as well as through trade facilitation.

“We are enjoying the ties between our two countries both in investments and trade. I recall the role Kenya played in peace keeping in Burundi and the facilitation of trade through the port of Mombasa, and Kenyan investors already working in Burundi,” the Burundi leader said.