President Uhuru Kenyatta today launched the County Governments post-Covid-19 socioeconomic recovery strategy that will be implemented over a three year period.

The Kshs 132 billion recovery plan priorities agriculture, water and sanitization, urban development and housing, transport, tourism, health, education, social protection, and gender and youth as anchor sectors that will help Counties to recover from the effects of Covid-19.

At the same time, the President commissioned the construction of the 50-storey G47 Ugatuzi Tower at Hurlingham in Nairobi County. The building, which will be the tallest on the continent, will be constructed through a partnership between the Council of Governors and the County Pension Fund (CPF).

Speaking to devolution stakeholders at the launch event, also attended by Deputy President Dr William Ruto, the President said the close working relationship between Counties and the National Government had helped the country deal with Covid-19 better.

He noted that one of the positive returns from the fight against Coronavirus in the country is the strengthening of relations between the two levels of Government saying, the collaborative framework should be cascaded to other frontiers of service delivery.

“Together we have expanded our physical healthcare infrastructure, installed new and more medical equipment, recruited additional healthcare workers, upskilled our health services labour force, and deployed a testing and contact-tracing system that has been a role-model for other African nations,” the President said.

The Head of State rallied Governors to focus their collective efforts in implementing the strategy saying, Kenyans are counting on them to deliver the country from socioeconomic disruption brought about by Covid-19.

“Fellow Leaders, this is not a time for business as usual. The Strategic plans at both the County and National levels draw from limited resources, that have become even more diminished due to the socio-economic effects of the pandemic,” the President said.

He pointed out that the strategy is expected to drive real growth and economic rebound in the Counties as the National Government rolls out similar initiatives aimed at reviving the economy.

The President told Governors to exercise financial prudence when implementing the strategy and called on oversight institutions to apply heightened vigilance to ensure funds are used appropriately.

“These limited resources must be utilized strictly for the purposes of elevating our nation. They must be used faithfully, and with the utmost of transparency and accountability.

“If we waste this chance, we will certainly consign our motherland to many years of being mired in economic slowdown and social injustice,” the President said.

At the same event, the President reminded foreign agencies not to interfere with the internal workings of the country saying they will not be tolerated.

Dr Ruto said the construction of the G47 Ugatuzi Towers will help consolidate all state agencies in the devolution sector under one roof thereby enhancing their efficiency and efficacy.

“It will make it that much more easy for devolution to succeed. It will provide the paradigm shift that we have all been looking for, for the bottoms up approach to our development, than the old one of trickle down,” the Deputy President said.

Council of Governors Chairman who is also Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said the financing of the Kshs 132 billion strategy will be largely be drawn from budgets of County Government over the next three financial years, supplemented by resources from development partners.

On the G47 Ugatuzi Tower, Governor Oparanya said the building is aimed at enhancing coordination of county governments activities by hosting them in one location.

“It has been our desire to enhance coordination of county governments activities under one roof. Today marks the beginning of actualization to fulfil this desire by ground-breaking a magnificent devolution headquarters which will have 50 floors to accommodate council of governors offices, county satellite offices, county assemblies forum offices and the ministry of devolution and its related state agencies,” Governor Oparanya said.

Other speakers were Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and Kisumu County Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o who made a detailed presentation of the provisions in the recovery strategy.

After the release of her first two singles Never Let You Go and ‘Where You Been’ off her upcoming debut EP, the award-winning Kenyan songwriter and power vocalist Nikita Kering is back with the 3^rd Single, and as the title suggests it’s simply Better Than Ever.

“The song is purely an illustration based on a figment of my imagination. It is all part of a love and heartbreak story that began with Never Let You Go and Where You Been” Nikita proclaims.

She continues to say that the song is about leaving that dark place or relationship once you realize that it doesn’t work anymore. It is bittersweet. “Because you lost someone you loved, but found yourself in the process” she sums it up.

Just like her biggest influences, Billie Eillish, Beyonce and Rema, Nikita isn’t slowing down, blessing our souls with exceptional lyrics that only her heavenly sent vocals can deliver.

Better Than Ever is something special.

With the finesse Mixing and Mastering skills of Trevor Magak, amazing production expertise of SoFresh254 on the audio, this beautiful song could only be complimented by the extremely talented Hardy of Snowball industries on the visuals.

WATCH “BETTER THAN EVER” HERE

WHAT’S NEXT

“2020 has been a crazy year, but also one that has been very beneficial for my growth,” Nikita states.

She continues to say that she has learned so much through the quarantine period about herself, life and so much more.

“Better Than Ever EP, was supposed to be out last month, however due to some personal circumstances, I didn’t give my fans what they had anticipated,” Nikita says.

She however promises that the project is still very much alive, and that the EP should be ready in the first quarter of 2021. “It will be HOT”.

The Pan-African Kisima Music & Film Awards has unveiled a thoroughly experienced and celebrated Pan-African Jury  that is already on deck sorting out entries into the acclaimed awards.

The close of submissions to the awards elapsed on November 27^th and currently, the process towards the climax of the awards ceremony on December 13^th now lies in the hands of the Judges.

A total Jury of 10 judges has been fleshed out from some of Africa’s most prestigious and progressive names in film and music production coupled with substantive experience in jury operations in the arts.

Speaking on the Jury unveil, the Chairman of the Pan African Kisima Music & Film awards Dr. Fred Simiyu says the convened team of judges is nothing short of excellence.

“ It was indeed paramount that we source only the best in the continent to formulate the judging panel. The selection process for the Jury was rigorous and deliberate. We assessed both the professional qualifications and experience base of the judges. Of course the Pan-Africa disposition was also important” Said Dr. Simiyu.

Adding “we look forward to a professionally transparent and invigorating process”.

The Kisima Music & Film Awards Jury is made up of judges from different African countries encompassing Kenya, Benin, Nigeria, Mozambique and  Rwanda . 

The blend of the Jury takes into consideration the Anglophone, francophone and Lusophone diversities of the submissions into the awards. 

In this new Pan-Africa infusion, every part of the continent in their language diversity is represented.

The Judging Panel will reveal the final nominees to the 2020 Kisima Music & Film awards on Thursday the 3^rd of December 2020.

This will then pave the way for the public voting Process  that will culminate in the Awards Ceremony on 13^th December 2020.

Kenyans today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World AIDS Day with calls on stakeholders to step up efforts aimed at lowering infections in the country.

This year's event was held in Kajiado where the local county government unveiled an ambitious plan to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis by the year 2024.

The plan supported by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's Beyond Zero will enable Kajiado County to mobilise resources and implement programs aimed at ending the two diseases.

Kajiado County has an HIV prevalence of 3.4% with more women infected at 4.5% compared to males at 2.3% carrying a disease burden of slightly over 30,000 people living with the virus.

In her message, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta rallied stakeholders to ramp up efforts to end HIV in the country by investing in programs that will help guard vulnerable citizens from the virus.

“There is critical need for increased awareness and resources for prevention and treatment of HIV especially amongst our youth, and more work to protect people living with AIDS from stigma and discrimination.

“I strongly advocate for zero new infections and zero mother to child transmission of HIV. I continue to encourage mothers to attend at least four antenatal checks where they can receive free testing,” the First Lady said.

In a speech read by CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya will defeat HIV through a multi-pronged approach that covers increased awareness, action and resources.

CS Kagwe applauded Beyong Zero for its growing investment in the country's health sector saying the First Lady’s Beyond Zero initiative saying the initiative had catalysed the improvement in provision of health services across the country.

“Her (First Lady Margaret Kenyatta) consistent support for the Government’s Linda Mama Programme under the Universal Healthcare Scheme has led to many mothers delivering in medical facilities assisted by professionals,” the Health CS said.

Kajiado County Government also launched Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework II, Kajiado County AIDS and STIs Plan II and the Automated HIV Self-Testing Vending Machine during the event.

Multi award-winning South African producer, Sun-El Musician has released a new collaboration with  celebrated Kenyan music group Sauti Sol titled 'Fire' .

The single will feature in his upcoming album titled TO THE WORLD AND BEYOND (pre add album here) - out 4th Dec 2020.

Produced by Claudio & Kenza, both part of ElWorld Music, FIRE is Sun-El’s fifth release off the album following “Never Never” featuring Nobuhle, “Madinaye” with Ami Faku, “Ubomi Abumanga” featuring Msaki and “Uhuru” with Azana.

LYRIC VIDEO: Sun-EL x Sauti Sol - FIRE

Sun-EL weighs in on his first collaboration with the East African giants, “It’s truly amazing to work with guys who I have so much respect for their art. I have been receiving a lot of love from East Africa, especially in Kenya so it was an honour to be part of this collaboration.”

Sauti Sol deliver their distinct melodic lyrics in English and their native Luhya language on this feel-good afro-house track.

Chimano of Sauti Sol shared how special it was writing the song and working with Sun-El Musician.

“We love this collaboration. It was so organic and something that was about time. Sun El is an amazing chill great artist, we're happy we have this masterpiece with him and this is just the beginning of many more projects together.'' He said. 

FIRE marks the first collaboration between Sun-El Musician, one of South Africa’s most respected and the giants from East Africa. Since the release of his mega hit single “Akanamali”, Sun-EL has had a fast-growing fan-base in East Africa.

Ahead of the new album release, Sun-EL will hold a special 45 minute live virtual concert dubbed “Uhuru Spaceforce” on 3rd Dec 2020.

He will be joined by top music stars including Msaki, Azana, Ami Faku, Simmy, Mthunzi and many more surprise guests at this El-World RedBox Session.

The new album will drop right after the show.

To register for the virtual concert: http://www.uhuruspaceforce.com/

He shared a special message to his fans, “I am thankful and grateful to my East African family who have continuously shown me love and support. I am hoping to someday work with more artists from the region in their own space in order to be exposed more to  the full experience.”

Sun-El Musician’s sophomore offering follows his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Africa To The World’, which debuted on the Top 200 Electronic Albums worldwide on Apple Music, and earned him over 50 million streams across various digital platforms.

VIDEO: Sun-El Musician Feat. Msaki -  “Ubomi Abumanga” 

Realness Institute has launched its call for submissions for their latest offering, Episodic Lab, a series development lab presented in partnership with Netflix.

Episodic Lab will be looking for writers from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa with authentic and original stories of all genres.

The initiative is only open to writers from the 3 countries where Netflix is currently focusing its African Originals strategy.

Applications are open here: www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application 

The Lab will take place remotely from 1 June 2021 – 31 August 2021 where selected writers will work on developing pitch documents for their story concepts.

6 writers will be chosen to spend 3 months in a ‘writers room’ format where they will work with a script consultant and a creative producer to fully develop their story concepts into an episodic pitch. Along with creative training, writers will receive feedback from Netflix Originals’ development team.

A stipend of $2000 per month will be paid to the participants to cover living expenses as they dedicate their time to the process. 

At the end of the lab, each writer will have an opportunity to pitch their finished product to Netflix and have their series developed for production.

If Netflix does not commission further development and/or production, the rights to the developed material default to the authors.

Creators should not be committed to a producer or director to participate in the lab.

The Writer’s Lab submission is open to writers from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria with Film and TV experience in any genre (fictional or factual) or language.

“Series give writers the space to make bigger worlds and more layered stories,” says Asanda Biyana – Partner and Project Manager of the Episodic Lab at Realness Institute.

Adding, “There is no limit for what can be submitted, and I trust, with the pool of talent in our continent, that we will be blown away. I’m excited and looking forward to the tough job of choosing the first cohort.”

To apply, potential applicants must take note of the following:

 Eligibility Criteria:

• Writer/writing team* with either Film or Television experience. Only one writer will be able to participate if selected
• Any genre of fiction
• Language: English and/or local language
• Concept must be set in South Africa, Kenya OR Nigeria
• No producers or directors attached
• Payment of submission fee

TO APPLY:

Applicants must fill out the online application on the Realness Institute website at www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application. Applicants are advised to read through the form before submitting. The deadline for submissions is the 31 January 2021 at midnight SAST.

Applicants will be required to pay a submission fee of 30 Euros via Paypal or 55 Euros via international wire transfer to cover the banking charges.

Wendy Kimani is one of Kenya's most sought after female singers. The Afropop and Soul star makes a comeback into the music scene with “Pagawisha”- new single and video. 

The Afrosoul banger in which Wendy sings of a lover who completely confuses [Pagawisha] her is produced by So Fresh.

Stream PAGAWISHA: https://ffm.to/wendykims.ois

Wendy says, “I am really excited to be releasing my new single after years of being away. I had so much fun working on this song. With it, I just wanted to bring musical joy to my audience,”

Adding on Pagawisha, “ It means, ‘you confuse me in the best way possible’. It’s a feel-good song talking about reigniting love in a relationship. It’s about finding that fire and feeling those butterflies again and getting romantic. It’s also about the fire I feel inside of me right now, I have fallen in love with music again.”

The music video, shot and directed by Alexander Ludwick and Kenneth Van Bochove, is a smooth dosage of Wendy and her love interest. 

In spirit “Pagawisha” that celebrates reigniting passion and falling in love is reflective of Wendy’s personal story of falling in love with music once again. With its positive vibes and African influences, this is the perfect song to bring some light into 2020.

Watch PAGAWISHA music video

This comeback means a journey to Wendy’s upcoming EP and single releases.

She teases her next single, “You will love my Afro House song coming up next, it’s called “Same Ol Love” and has got that South African house and dance vibes.

At the same time, Wendy launched a new YouTube channel, ‘Wendy’s New Normal’ that follows her life living in the Netherlands, since her relocation from Kenya.

She reveals, “It’s all about rediscovering myself, marriage, mental health, my hair journey and also health conditions like PCOS conditions.”

Wendy Kimani is one of Kenya’s top Afrosoul singers. Over her career, she has released a number of successful hit songs, including “Haiwi Haiwi” featuring Bien Aime-Baraza of Sauti Sol, “Unajua” and “Usiende” – both collaborations with Gilad.

Since its release, the “Unajua” music video has garnered over 6 million views on YouTube and received massive airplay across numerous radio and TV stations.

Grandpa Records founder and music producer Refigah has launched an exercise to donate thermo guns, sanitizers and facemasks to local churches and mosques in Kibra to help in the fight against the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

According to Refigah, there are over 83 churches and 14 mosques in Kibra and its environs, most of this places of worship are not equipped with thermometers or sanitisers .

"We want to ensure all Mosques and churches are well equipped with running sanitizers and Thermometers to face these challenging times ahead. Please continue to wear your masks, practice safe distancing and continuing to wash your hands as often as possible." said Refigah.

Among the places of worship that have so far benefited includes Jamia mosque, Makina, and Hossana Ministry Church in mashimoni.

This comes as the country's caseload is now at 82,605 with fatalities rising to 1,445.

The executive director of Sisters for justice(S4J) Naila Abdalla is the 2020 human rights defender of the year.

Naila received the prestigious award in Nairobi on Friday which recognized her efforts in defending rights of its community.

Her efforts in fighting against gender base violence have been remarkable to make her the first person from Mombasa to win the coveted awards.

With only few years into activism, Naila beat several bigwigs in the activism world to take the trophy back to Mombasa.

"Even though I do this work for humanity,it feels good when someone recognizes your efforts and awards you for the good job done,"she said.

The awards honours the extra ordinary works of HRDs  by awarding those who have demonstrated courage,innovation and impact in promoting and protecting the human rights and the fundamental freedom.

S4J is located in Kisauni area,right at the center of criminal gangs,extra judicials,sex predators and also extremism.

But with all this,Naila alongside other members in this community based organization who are mostily volunteers have continued to fight against injustices especially to women and children.

Naila has been vocal especially on GBV matters during this pandemic period.

Recently,she was recognised by a UK magazine,Wempower  magazine as one of change makers in terms of human rights defending.

From us Ommydallah.co.ke we congratulate Naila for her win.