Netflix, the world’s leading streaming service collaborated with Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, the Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Wildlife Services to participate in this year’s Magical Kenya Expo which took place at the Bomas of Kenya between 5 - 7 October.

At the event on Friday, October 7, Netflix screened a short video that showcases its sustainability efforts through its support of The Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project located in South Eastern Kenya, between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.

The video also showcases the Netflix documentary - Our Great National Parks - which dedicates one of the episodes to the Tsavo National Park. 

The screening was kicked off with opening remarks by Kenya Wildlife Service’s Director General - John Waweru - who thanked Netflix Team by stating: "For the last two years, Netflix has been filming within Tsavo; and Kenya Wildlife Services sees this continuing into the future.”

He added, “  What this documentary showcases is an example of transformation happening in conservation. The transformation has been made possible by engaging the community in many ways including providing resources which transforms the livelihoods of community members.”

His remarks were followed by Netflix’s Director of Public Policy, Shola Sanni, who iterated Netflix’s Net Zero + Nature commitment - announced in March 2021 - to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2022, and every year afterwards. We have since shared an update that we’re on track to meet our science-based climate targets and while we’ve made progress this year, we still have a long way to go.

“At Netflix, we strive to contribute positively to local economies, culture, and creative communities, and thereby are dedicated to understanding and minimizing our environmental impact wherever we operate, across the globe, and many of our top creators see sustainability as a source for creative excellence and authentic storytelling that attracts vast audiences - particularly young audiences,” said Sanni. 

Sanni added; “With all that in mind, we have ambitious climate targets, in particular in terms of scope and urgency and investing in operational changes to reduce our direct emissions while partnering with suppliers such as Wildlife Works and technology partners in our value chain to tackle indirect emissions. 

A panel featuring the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ representatives; Captain Kenneth Ochieng, Senior Assistant Head Director at Tsavo National Park, Jane Okoth- Media and Communications Officer, Joseph Mwakima - Community Relations Officer,  Constance Mwandaa - Ranger and Head of Training, explored the impact of the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project and shared updates and progress since filming of video.

A key takeaway from the panelists was the importance of educating and sensitizing the local communities on the need to protect the environment and wildlife, with Captain Kenneth Ochieng assuring the attendees that KWS is working well under structured engagements and has signed various joint MOUs to bolster the safety and security of wildlife.

Ranger Constance Mwandaa was glad to share that the local community at Kasigau Corridor now recognises female rangers and accords them the same treatment with their male counterparts. Joseph Mwakima - Community Relations Officer reiterated that without the community involvement and inclusivity among key stakeholders, the conservation efforts of the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project wouldn't have been successful, adding, “The documentary represents the uniqueness of our project and how we work. It included everyone –they are the people who come up with ideas and make decisions.”

Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service, announced the East Africa recipients of the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund (CESF) providing financial support to African creatives to access quality tertiary education in film and TV-focused disciplines.

The scholarship fund for sub-Saharan students is part of Netflix’s global Netflix Creative Equity Fund launched in 2021 with the goal of developing a strong, diverse pipeline of creatives around the world.

The Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund celebrated the inaugural cohort of 46 beneficiaries from five East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan) at a ceremony held at Nairobi’s KCA University.

Meet the 46 Beneficiaries:

Recipients for Certificate in Film Studies include: from Kenya - Victor Odhiambo Tindi, Saidi Mohamed Mujibu, Pauline Wanjiru Mwangi, Mwavaga Shadrine Lumonye, Bobson Fadhili Mwamburi, Simon Njogu Wacira, Felix Otieno Odhiambo, Derrick Bosire, Dorcas Kelly Katunge, Teresia Wanjiru Mbugua, Kelvin Mbuvi Ngatta, Clinton Aguma, Martha Muthoni Mutiso and Jeffither Murimi Kariuki.

Recipients for Certificate in Film & Television include: from Kenya - Martin Toroi Walucho and Steve Gitau Ng’ang’a.

Recipients in Film Production include: Cynthia Wanjiku Muniu, Fortune Wise Chege and Augustine Ondera Alfred from South Sudan.

Recipients in Diploma in Film & Television Production include: from Kenya - Denis Musungu, Memusa Christopher Lesikito, Nyokabi Gitonga Jackline, Jonathan Efwaine Anyange, Lucky Wanja Wangari, Ebenyo William Eloto, Solomon Ewoi Emuria and Jerry Mokua Sakwa. Yvan King Mukunzi from Rwanda, Belone Irakoze from Burundi, Joyce Isaac Cleto Alimu from South Sudan and Amisha Janat Mukasa.

All the beneficiaries are eligible to receive a  full scholarship which includes - tuition, accommodation, living stipend and education supplies. The inaugural cohort of awardees have enrolled for certificate, diploma and degree courses as follows: 19 have enrolled in certificate programs, 22 in diploma programs and 5 in degree programs. Furthermore, the largest group of beneficiaries are between the ages of 18-25 years.

The program is currently being administered by HEVA Fund in partnership with Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI); Kenya Film School (KFS); KCA University; Kenyatta University and United States International University Africa (USIU). The five institutions of higher learning in Kenya will support the formal qualification and training of aspiring creatives from the region.

The ‘Class of 2022 Roll Call’ event served as an informal ceremony to bring together students, partner institutions and key stakeholders together to celebrate the scholarship’s recipients and the program at large.

In attendance were various government agency representatives, the CEO of the Kenya Film Commission Timothy Owase, Pascal Opiyo - AG, Chief Manager Corporate Services at KFCB; Mrs Emily Njeru - Deputy Director at Kenya National Commission for UNESCO and Eugene Mbugua - founder and Managing director OF young Rich Television Limited. Also present at the event were members of the partner institutions including Dr. Rachel Diang’a, Chair of the department of cinematic arts in USIU; Mr. Kelvin Ogutu, Deputy Principal and Head of Academics in ADMI; Mr. Victor Ouma, Head of Academics in KFS; Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki, Vice Chancellor and CEO of KCA University and Dr. Beneah Shapaya, Lecturer at the Department of Communications, Media, Film and Theatre Studies in Kenyatta University.

In keeping with the theme of spotlighting storytellers, some of Kenya’s acclaimed TV & Film stars were present including cast members of the first Netflix series from Kenya, Country Queen - Blessing Lung’aho, Melissa Kiplagat and Melvin Alusa alongside Disconnect actress Catherine (Kate) Kamau and Tosh Gitonga, who directed Disconnect and co-directed Country Queen, The Brave Ones and Nairobi Half Life.

Mombasa businessman Abubakar Ahmed Talib has finally been sworn in as a Nominated Member of Parliament (MP).

Talib was sworn in today (Thursday) by the National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei.

This follows a court order following a row over the nomination slot within Wiper Party by ordering the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to gazette the name of Talib.

Talib ,who was number one on the nomination list,  had challenged the decision by Wiper to replace his name.

The court quashed the revised list that was issued to IEBC by the party, which replaced Talib’s name with that of Lucas Mulinge, saying the new list is illegal, null and void.

The court ruled the National Assembly party list submitted to and received by IEBC from Wiper on July 21 bearing the name of Talib as a nominee to the National Assembly is legal and valid.

In the case, Talib claimed that his name was unlawfully omitted from the Wiper party list.

He further said that without any consultation, Wiper put his name in the list of nominees for MCA Mombasa county, a position he never applied for.

A section of Women in Kilifi county have come out to defend the nomination of former Malindi Mp Aisha Jumwa as the Cabinet Secretary, ministry of Public Service and Gender.

The women led by Priscilla Zawadi, Christine Akinyi and Bendera Charo castigated Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leaders for discrediting Jumwa's nomination.

The Women said that the utterances by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Edwin Sifuna who is also Nairobi senator bordered on disrespect to women leadership.

“We want respect for women in Kilifi County and Asha Jumwa should be respected and we issue a warning that this is the last time we will entertain such attacks on her character. If she has cases in court, let the courts decide but not you Kalonzo,” said Ms. Zawadi.

“If I was William Ruto, I'd withdraw some of these cabinet nominees to avoid national and international shame. We shall direct our MPs to withhold approval of those who do not meet the Chapter Six threshold of our Constitution," said Musyoka in a press briefing last week.

On Thursday, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei on Thursday accused his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna of being against women for opposing the nomination of Aisha Jumwa. 

"Aisha Jumwa is competent enough. If Senator Sifuna has a problem, he should bring it before the appointment committee,” Cherargei said.

Earlier this week, Sifuna termed her nomination a big joke.

"There are people in Kenya Kwanza like Kithure Kindiki who are competent for any government position but Aisha Jumwa is a big joke. She is not competent or suitable for any position,” he said.

The Kenya Ports authority (KPA) is planning to introduce the smart gate technology payment system at the Likoni ferry crossing channel.

 There will also be four lanes to approach the ramps.

Drivers will be required  to have a card that they will load (with) money, allowing them to use the ferry service without stopping along to pay with cash.

The process flow of making ferry toll charges session begins when a user requests a USSD code from their mobile phone.

As soon as the initial request is sent, the USSD gateway sends it on to a USSD application. The application calculates a response to the request and sends it back to the gateway, which prompts the motorists to the category charges of the vehicle and receives a message on their mobile phone screen.

According to the authority this will help in improving services at the ferry hence do away with the traffic usually experienced at the channel.

KPA is currently holding a stakeholders meeting to discuss the planned changes. among the partners attending the meeting are as the Kenya transport association (KTA), Kenya national chamber of commerce, Matatu welfare association, Kenya tour operators’ association, and other key business communities.

The Kenya ferry services (KFS) was dissolved in 2020 with KPA taking over its operations.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/2059-top-government-officials-to-meet-over-kpa-and-kenya-ferry-merger

Before KFS was set up, ferry services used to be under KPA, which took them from the Kenya Bus Services, which ran the services until 1989 when it decided to pull out.

Kenya Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary nominee Dr Alfred Mutua on Tuesday held a meeting with Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya Hassan Galiwango amid disturbing tweets made by President Yoweri Museveni's son currently serving as the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force.

Mutua met the commissioner in the wake of social media condemnation over remarks made by the commander of Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Muhoozi, who is President Yoweri Museveni's son, had Monday issued a veiled threat suggesting a possible incursion into the Kenyan territory, a move that sparked condemnation by Kenyans.

Some of the legislators led by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon Uganda's ambassador to Kenya over the matter.

But on Tuesday,Mutua posted on his social media having met with the Kenyan commissioner and assured that all was well. In his first hard-hitting tweet that whipped up an uproar, Muhoozi said it wouldn't take the Ugandan army two weeks to capture Nairobi.

 “This morning I shared a social cup of tea with Amb. Dr Hassan Galiwango - Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya. We discussed interesting matters. All is well,” Mutua said.

Cherargei said the sensational statements made by President Yoweri Museveni's son currently serving as the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force threatened the unity of the East Africa Community.

“I expect by morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon the Ugandan ambassador to shed light on Gen. Muhoozi's social media outbursts and subsequent apology. This is undermining the spirit of unity of EAC," Cherargei said.

 Muhoozi, 49, rose to his current rank following his appointment in June 2021. It was the second time Museveni was promoting his son in the hierarchy of the army in six months.  

The controversial commander of Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said he has no plans to attack Kenya after his father advised him against making such an ill move.

The new ADC is Colonel Fabian Lengusuranga from the Kenya Army. 

Col. Lengusuranga takes over from Stelu Lekolool who has been promoted to Brigadier and redeployed to the Department of Defence headquarters.

Lekolool was Uhuru's ADC until September 13, when William Ruto ascended to power.

Col. Lengusuranga was commissioned in 1999.

The new ADC is deputised by Lt. Col. Damaris Agnetta also from the Kenya Army. She takes over from Racheal Nduta Kamui who has also been promoted to a full Colonel and deployed to DoD.

The former ADC and his deputy were from the Kenya Navy. 

The ADC is the military officer who stands behind the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces during official functions. 

Friday marked an important day for Hip-hop in Kenya;especially female hip hop.

After eight years since their last collaboration, Greatness album hitmaker Femi One teamed up with the super dope Wangechi to deliver pure heat on Lip Service . 

Just as the song title suggests, the two have used their signature flow and punchlines to pass their message across. In the year 2014, Femi One and Wangechi met on the set of the King Kaka megahit Lig Soo, since then they have both had numerous successes on their individual paths

"It is a great thing to see two female greats coming together to create such a dope song, we needed to do this for our fans and I know you will all love it. Big up to Wangechi, it is always a pleasure creating magic with you!"  Femi One on Lip Service. 

Watch the visuals

General Service Unit won the discipline forces title at the Kenya Shooting Sports Federation and Bamburi Rifle club 2022 league level 3 championship in Mombasa County.

At the national competition, the team garnered 195 points and  was awarded sh 150,000 after scoping the title followed by the Prison team on the second position with 156.8 points and  Kenya Police service with 122.1 points.

 The Prisons received sh 100,000 while Kenya Police Service received sh 50,000 from Bamburi Rifle club who sponsored the awards.

During the Chalbi industries Ltd  sponsored knockouts contested with a newly Kenya manufactured gun –Duma with an award of USD 500, the Kenya Police Service under the team leader inspector  Mohammed Aden scoped the top prize.

 In the championship,  7 teams participated among them Chalbi, Kenya Defence Force, Directorate of Criminal investigation (DCI),Kenya Police Services , Administration Police, National Gun Owners Association (NGao) and  host Bamburi Rifle Club (BRC).

During the BRC International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) level 3 handgun match production category, the 2021 overall winner of the IPSC shooter Master Ibrahim Ndungu scored 1123.57 points to win the match. Inspector of Police Mohamed Aden scored 981.35 points to score the second position while the third position went to Issa Issa with 968.60 points.

The ladies’ production division was won by Agatha Muchiri with 545.11 points, second position went to Alice Njuguna with 500.58 points and Sharon Waruru 283.71 points respectively.

In the senior production division, Memba Muriuki won with 953.50 points followed by James Thuo and Gikonyo Mwangi with 691.44 and 646.41 points respectively.

Moreover, in the super senior Mahamad Ramadhan sailed to win with 455.62 points as the sole competitor.

Likewise, in the standard division, Sammy Onyango shot to win with 1073.77 points. Behind him was Mahir Omar and Mohammed Omar with 985.03 and 877.76 points respectively.

 On the part of the ladies, Josephine Matoi emerged the winner with 617.21 points closely followed by Grace  Wanjiku  478.85 points and the third position was won by Grace Kitinya 476.56 points.

The senior standard division competition went to  Sammy Onyango  with 1073.77 points ,second  was Samuel Chacha  with 936.38 points and Daniel Mutiso 909.72 points.

Under the open category, Sunny Syan won with 1097.46 points. The second and third positions went to Mahir Omar with 985.03 points and Mohamed Omar with 877.76 points.

For the ladies open,   Irene Ndunda was the victor with 428.59 points and Pauline Gatitu with 114.80 points to emerge second position.

Super senior position, Sunny Syan won with 1097.46 points as the sole competitor in the open division.

Also, in the production optics division, Samier Muravvej earned 717.58 points to lead followed by Moosa Khan with 510.58 points.

In conclusion, in revolver division the front runner was Joel Warei with 193.13 points. Distant second was Robert Kabukuki with 103.28 points and Mark Aziz third with 0.765 pints respectively.

Other winners, in the BRC IPSS level 3 PCC match, Geoffrey Pesa became the overall winner to beat Simon Sunkuyia to the second position and Catherine Kavana to the third position.

The ladies in the same category saw Catherine Kavana taking the first slot leaving the second and third slot to Teresia Kathikwa and Eddah Chepwegon.

Chairman Kenya Sports Shooting Federation (KSSF) Mohamed Shoaib Vayani said there will be an upcoming event the Jamhuri shot in December 2-3, 2022 at Stone Athi.

The Chairman lauded the Bamburi Rifle Club for modernizing their range and bases to world-class standards in readiness for level 4 and 5 competitions in the future.