The long-awaited day finally arrived and President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in celebrating the 2022 Madaraka Day at Uhuru Gardens, which was the last national day celebration he commemorated as President and Commander in Chief.

The day was filled with pomp and color in terms of entertainment, with most Kenyans agreeing that the artistes and acts curated for this year’s programme represented diversity and inclusivity among various artists and music genres in Kenyan music.

The programme was a culmination of months of preparation, which began with auditions that were conducted a few months ago.

Among the performers were participants of the 2022 National Youth Talent Development programme who got to present productions they created during their various training workshops.

The show stopping programme featured artistes like Mutulani Kasheshe of Kungulu Kwangala fame, Iyanii and Trio Mio who stole the show with their new song Tunaweza in which top female rapper Femi One is featured too.

Seasoned musicians who performed include Les Wanyika, Maroon Commandos and Jozee Gogosimo.

The list also included The State House Choir and identified youth choristers and contemporary dancers from Nairobi region and its environs.

Masauti and Jovial performed their new song Pamoja at the State House Garden Party in the afternoon.

The programme began at around 8am with live performances from Les Wanyika and Maroon Commandos as the crowds walked in.

The main entertainment programme commenced at around 11.30am after the President had arrived and inspected the guard of honor.

The songs performed at Uhuru Gardens are full music productions that were recorded, mixed and mastered by select music producers.

The music videos were released on the same day of the event through the PPMC YouTube channel and they continue to rake in views as Kenyans keep on watching and sharing.

Here is a link of the released songs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgIQUPvj3QW9M-4hEOfgwHyBCmEZgC2is

Here is a link of photos from the event: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kLoJ_VJxz3gGpFJtGc5166VNdQnb8XzO?usp=sharing

Picture Credits: Permanent PResidential Music Commission

TESTIMONIALS

Word from Iyanii on the experience

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WgEEisJSLUZafuWba6JQy2ftwTRishdE/view?usp=sharing

“This was a beautiful experience since it is my first time performing in a National event before the President, dignitaries ad Kenyans at large. Performing on the platform has given my career a huge boost and through this I know I will inspire youth out there that everything is possible no matter where you come from. Through the rehearsals and preparation of the music projects, I have met so many different people from different tribes and cultures which is a new experience for me. I’ve got to listen to different types of music from all over Kenya which has made me appreciate our diversity and perspective. The unity of us all in putting together a wonderful performance is something PPMC really stressed about and I will not forget in my future endeavors as a career musician” - Iyanii

Word from Femi One on the experience

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VmOYnGQqPd9rviakNj0EIPFPpVEoTam8/view?usp=sharing

“I was very happy to be featured in this year’s Madaraka day. I performed alongside Iyanii and Trio Mio. I have never been on a song with them so thank you PPMC for the opportunity. It’s been a good learning experience, especially the patience and dedication required during rehearsals. I am very happy to see that Sheng can be embraced in national ceremonies and it’s a big thank you to Kenyans at large for the support.” – Femi One

Word From Vitimbi Crew

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CnjxnzzuodOhbrtZ7FRiGwu9R5v68kfW/view?usp=sharing

Bongo fleva crooner Ali kiba is known to be a down to earth, simple and humble person despite his social status.

Well, in a moving display of humanity, the singer stopped his Range Rover vogue to help a man push his cart in a pathway.

In a video shared online the 'Utu' hitmaker is seen joining two other people in pushing the cart through a hill before rushing back to his car.

Mombasa County was on Wednesday treated to very heated political campaigns during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations with politicians making strong bids ahead of the August 9 polls.

At the Mama Ngina waterfront, Orange democratic Movement ODM politicians led by Governor Hassan Joho slammed the Kenya Kwanza coalition for not being unrealistic with affairs of the coastal people.

Deputy president William Ruto led faction has for the past one week made extensive inroads at the Coastal region, making a lot of soothing pledges among them returning the operations of the Mombasa port to Mombasa should they form the next government.

But Governor Joho termed the sentiments by the leaders in Ruto's camp as mockery, urging coastal residents not to gamble with their vote, instead chose Azimio La Umoja Presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga.

Joho asked coastal people to elect Odinga saying he has the interests of the coastal people at heart, adding that Odinga has proven so by promising to appoint governor Joho in the Land ministry docket.

"We can't afford to abandon Odinga who is about to ascend to power,as a region we will be at the forefront in Odinga's government and this will give us an opportunity to negotiate for our people,"Joho said.

Mombasa county Governor aspirant Abdulswamand Nassir reiterated on the Mombasa economic recovery should he succeed Hassan Joho.

Nassir says should the Azimio la Umoja one Kenya coalition form the next government the coastal region will reap economic benefits.

Nassir emphasized that the region has suffered serious economic setbacks since the transfer of port operations to parts of upcountry.

"We want a stake of the port as a region, that is the battle that is ahead of us,” Said Nassir. The mvita Mp slammed those opposed to the Azimio la Umoja coalition that they are enemies of the Mombasa region because the coalition agitates for social and economic rights of Mombasa people.

"We are defining where the difference is between us and you, if we continue to keep quiet on matters of public important, we will have no reason to seek leadership,"said Nassir saying he has been on the fore front to agitate for port operations to return to Mombasa.

The leaders drummed up support for Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga maintaining that coast I still an ODM zone.

"We are assuring the ODM leader that we will deliver all the seats in Mombasa, we want to paint Mombasa orange because the region has been a bed rock ODM," said Zamzam.

Governor Joho also took the opportunity to laud Odinga for promising him the Land CS docket, in the next government. The two times governor said he will use his docket to solve land challenges that are facing the coastal people.

“Raila said if he forms the government he will reward me the lands ministry,I want to state that when we enter into the government, demolitions will be a thing of the past in the coast and other parts of the coast, “he added.

Joho was categorical that some areas like Alidina in Jomvu, Kwa Bullo and Shauri Yako in Nyali where a lot of people live like squarters. He said land grabbers have no place in Odinga government.

“If you got land illegally, we will repossess it and hand it back to the public, and if there are idle lands, we will buy it and distribute it to Kenyans,” said Joho.

At the same time governor Joho bailed out patients with medical pending medical bills at the coast general Teaching and Referral hospital.

Joho said patients who can’t cater for their medical bills, should be released immediately.

 “I therefore want to order that if there is any sick patient treated today and has no money to cater for bills, must be released for free,”said Joho.

The governor then asked his preferred successor Abdulswamand Nassir to supervise the exercise.

“My brother just go so that you can continue with the legacy we have set to give free services,…serikali si ni yetu,hospitali si ni uetu,pesa si ni zetu iko shida hapo..Joho posed, asking Nassir to ensure no victimization.

Similar celebrations were also held in Changamwe, Likoni  and Jomvu sub counties.

Tanzanian fast rising star, Singer, songwriter and producer Robby Vibez dropped the lyrical video to his single Mona.

The audio which is self produced is about love as the artist expresses his feelings to a beautiful girl named Mona whom he can't stop thinking about. 

The video was produced by Kelly Films. 

WATCH : https://youtu.be/TVG4TVuQucU 

Speaking about the song, Robby says, " I am happy to start on this exciting musical journey, and I believe the fans will receive me with love by listening and sharing my music out there. It's been a long time coming but I am grateful that I chose the right time to go out and conquer." 

Mona Lyrical video is currently available on all digital platforms and YouTube. 

Robby Vibes is currently working on the remix of Mona with one of the biggest artistes in Africa and will be out soon. 

Mombasa is among six counties in the country likely to experience electoral violence during the 2022 General Elections.

According to a report by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) the chances of Mombasa experiencing violence stand at 71.5%. In the report, Nairobi leads with 78.9% followed by Nakuru, Kericho, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu.

The report released on Tuesday in Nairobi points out an ongoing emergence and re-emergence of organised criminal gangs -especially juvenile gangs, goons and militia.

'I note with satisfaction that this report is aligned with our Roadmap to a Violence Free Election and to key policy instruments including the Commission’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan." said NCIC C.E.O Dr Skitter Ocharo.

Adding "Everyday we are reminded of the task bestowed upon us by Kenyans, which we constantly strive to deliver,despite the many challenges we face. We are proud that once again, we have taken lead in pointing out key areas of focus".

The report also stated that Kenya's national electoral violence index for 2022 is 53.43 percent, with 31 counties likely to have peaceful elections.

Counties rated as medium high risk are Narok Marsabit, Laikipia, Lamu, Baring, Isiolo, Meru, Nandi, Samburu, and Bomet.

Embu county was named as the lowest risk of poll-related violence.

The research was conducted between January and April.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga announced yesterday that the party will field another candidate in the Rabai seat after the demise of William Kamoti.

Kamoti died in a road accident on Sunday evening at stage ya Maziwa in Mnarani near Kilifi town along the Mombasa-Malindi highway.

Speaking at Kamoti's burial Odinga eulogised him as a strong supporter of the ODM party who stood for social justice through his legal experience.

Odinga asked ODM team in Rabai to nominate suitable candidates to the party by today (Tuesday) to facilitate his clearance by the independent electoral and Boundaries Comission IEBC.

Before Kamoti met his death he had been cleared by IEBC, ODM party maintains the position must be held by an ODM candidate in respect to the diseased.

"I would like ODM leaders who will be left here to deliberate and give us a leader who will carry the ODM flag in the August 9 elections,so that we can have someone to fly ODM flag,"said Odinga.

"Kamoti is a strong supporter of ODM party,he was a representative of the party at Rabai and therefore we want to condole with the family and Rabai people have lost their servant,"said Odinga. 

Odinga wished Kamoti’s family, friends, relatives and constituents God’s grace and comfort as they come to terms with their leader’s demise.

Mombasa governor Hassan Joho who distanced himself from politics during the burial said he will return at a later date to politic. He eulogised Kamoti as a leader who practiced politics of tolerance.

"We wish the family of Kamoti humble time to mourn, therefore we will not speak politics,we will return at alter date,"said Joho.

ODM candidate for the Kilifi governor seat Gideon Mungaro asked residents to elect an Azimio la Umoja government in the August 9 polls in respect to Kamoti who was a staunch member of the ODM party.

Suna East Mp Junet Mohamed said ODM has lost a staunch agitator of social justice.

At the burial political difference between Kilifi governor Amason Kingi and ODM leadership also played out openly when Kilifi South Mp Ken Chonga was booed by mourners as he tried to attack Kingi who was present during the burial.

Chonga slammed Governor Kingi for his continued attacks on Raila Odinga especially after joining the one Kenya Alliance coalition of the deputy president William Ruto.

"We are surprised that some of us here are attacking our presidential candidate,Raila Odinga,"Chonga said in reference to recent spats by Kingi towards Odinga.

Kaloleni Member of Parliament Paul Katana also cautioned leaders from attacking Odinga saying he deserves respect for nurturing coastal politicians.

Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko asked Rabai residents to vote in Raila Odinga presidency saying coast region will reap big from Odinga presidency.

"We pray that the position that was held by Kamoti,who was an ODM Mp should directly go to ODM member,,in respect to Kamoti and Odinga who natured the late Mo,"said Mboko.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib eulogised Kamoti as a humble politician who loved helping the needy.

Badi said Kamoti was instrumental in fostering party agenga in Rabai.

Magarini Mp Michael Kingi said Kamoti helped him when he was new in the national assembly saying that Kamoti was a humble person who used to like seeing people succeed.

 "When I was new in Parliament,Kamoti is the one who introduced me to some of the affairs in the national assembly therefore he has been a friend who loved to guide others through his legal mind,"said Kingi.

Family members led by Magaret Kadzo eulogised kamoti as a key pillar in the family.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has rallied Kenyans to continue being cautious of Covid-19 saying, despite the relaxation of disease containment measures, the danger of infections spreading still lurks.

“We must, therefore, continue to be careful as we go about our daily callings; and more importantly, I urge all Kenyans to get vaccinated or receive your booster shots, so that we may put the pandemic behind us, once-and-for-all,” the President said.

The Head of State spoke on Sunday at State House, Nairobi when he presided over the 92nd inspection parade of the St John Ambulance Kenya where he announced a Shs 150 million annual Government sponsorship for the organization starting with Shs 100 million this financial year.

The President, who is the Chief Patron of the humanitarian institution, challenged it to include more young people in its activities by engaging learning institutions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

“By placing a value on volunteerism, we shall be nurturing a higher calling and building a strong sense of civic responsibility amongst the leaders of today and tomorrow,” the President said.

In this regard, the Head of State directed the Ministry of Education to develop innovative initiatives that will foster and recognize student volunteers among them preferential consideration when seeking internship opportunities.

“Indeed, the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) framework provides a perfect opportunity for this endeavour. I further call upon our Government institutions to grant preference to interns and attachés who have certified volunteer experience from certified charitable organizations such as St. John,” he said.

The President commended St John Kenya for contributing to favourable health indicators under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, noting that the organization’s various pre-hospital care related training courses has ensured that the country has a growing population of first aiders.

“Since St John Ambulance was started in Kenya back in 1923, it has led the way in the provision of ambulance and paramedical services in Kenya. Following your lead, many more ambulance service in the public and private sphere have sprung up,” the President said.

He particularly commended St John Kenya for being at the forefront in tackling emergencies, citing the organization’s leading role in the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Looking back to those days of lockdowns and shut downs, we all recall how St John Ambulance was at the vanguard of our anti-Covid actions.

“St John tirelessly sensitized Kenyans about Covid-19, hosted handwashing campaigns and even helped the Ministry of Health in the administration of Covid-19 vaccines. As a thankful nation, this country appreciates you for your quality service,” the President said.

On prevention of road accident, President Kenyatta said the country must rethink its approach to the critical minutes after an accident occurs, by making road users part of the solution.

Consequently, the President directed the Ministry of Transport to develop an appropriate sectorial plan as part of its 2023 to 2027 medium plan to offer first aid training and basic post-accident evacuation protocols as a pre-requisite for all licensed drivers.

“I am also glad to note that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and St John Kenya, has put in place elaborate plans to implement road safety and first aid safety training for boda boda riders across the country.

“We already have launched an initial pilot scheme covering 200 boda boda riders; which, we believe, shall be a key resource at these rescue centres, offering first aid care as first responders,” he said.

Earlier, President Kenyatta, who chaired a St John Kenya board meeting at State House, Nairobi in his capacity as the Chief Patron of the organization, was knighted to the Order of the St John for his service to humanity.

The admission of President Kenyatta as Knight of the most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem was conducted by the Order’s Chancellor Dr Gillian Willmore at State House, Nairobi.

Appreciating the honour, President Kenyatta thanked Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for honouring him with the coveted award of a Knight under the Order of St John and committed to continue serving humanity with humility.

“Let me once again thank Her Majesty the Queen for the incredible honour; and promise, even as I retire, I commit myself to the service of humanity not just in Kenya but globally,” President Kenyatta said.

Health PS Susan Mochache also spoke at the annual parade that was attended by several senior Government officials led by Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua.

The African Union Commission, in partnership with the International Committee of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has formally unveiled the calendar of events for the 2022 annual edition of the awards ceremony. 

The unveiling event took place at a world press conference on Thursday May 26, 2022 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Media personnel and the general public were shown the line-up of preceding events before the main award ceremony starts from November 3 - 6, 2022. 

Speaking on behalf of the African Union, Director for Social Development, Culture and Sports Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Cisse Mariama Mohamed said, "Africa remains resilient and progressive in everything, and this is why our entertainment sector continues to make such huge leaps globally. And at the forefront of this lies our resolve to unite the continent through entertainment."

Adding "AFRIMA is committed to this mission, upholding this tradition of celebrating the scintillating musical culture of Africa by featuring exhilarating Pan-Africa events throughout the year. We are looking forward to celebrating the richness of the African continent alongside AFRIMA in November." 

Importantly, the calendar for the year begins with the entries of submission which starts Monday May 30, 2022 and closes on Friday August 5, 2022.

The submissions can be done on behalf of the talents across the continent and in the diaspora, by their representatives (talent managers, record company personnel, producers, etc.).

Also, the year-in-review for the entries is from August 20, 2021 to Friday August 5, 2022, implying that only entries created during that period will be valid. 

Shortly after the submission of entries is the pre-screening process, which is to be held between the 5 and 8 August, 2022.

During this process, entries will be vetted by a special committee at the International Secretariat of AFRIMA, and categorised in accordance with AFRIMA entry submission guidelines.

The main screening process, which is tagged as the Adjudication process, will follow immediately from August 9 to 16, 2022.

This process is undertaken by an International Jury of AFRIMA comprising a 13-man panel of experienced African music experts and practitioners drawn from the five regions of Africa and in the diaspora. 

As the main awards ceremony edges closer, a world media announcement of the nominees will take place on Wednesday August 17, 2022 to publicly unveil the nominees.

On Wednesday August 24, 2022, the AFRIMA Academy as well as music fans and followers around the globe will begin to participate in the public voting process to be conducted on AFRIMA's website, during which the nominees will receive votes that could lead them to emerging winners in the various categories of the awards.

The voting process, which closes 24 hours before the awards ceremony, would be monitored and audited by a reputable international auditing firm,  PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Finally, the awards ceremony will be held from Thursday November 3 to Saturday November 6, 2022. It will feature a 3-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour.

The event commenced with the welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, African Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees' party and concluded with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.

African music lovers can take part in the events on social media, live stream on the AFRIMA website at www.afrima.org and visit the social media platforms (Instagram - Afrima.official/ Twitter - Afrimaofficial), and they can watch the event coverage by tuning in to their local and cable TV providers.

Coalition on Violence against Women( COVAW) organization is empowering women and youths whose businesses were affected by COVID 19 pandemic as a way to curb the rising numbers of GBV cases in the area.

The empowerment program that is taking place in Msambweni, Lungalunga and Kinango constituencies is meant to assist in assisting vulnerable business members in the communities.

Speaking to journalists during an interview COVAW program officer Sandra Chivumbe she said that the initiative comes after Aga Khan foundation, the donor came up with the proposal of assisting vulnerable women in the community whose businesses were struck by COVID-19 pandemic.

"Most of these women and youths lost their jobs and business making the cases of Gender Based violence (GBV) in the community rise due to stress, and as an organisation we are working to make sure the numbers of GBV cases in society are minimal,"Chivumbe said.  

Chivumbe noted that they chose on having the program in the 3 constituencies due to the high numbers of GBV cases recorded from the areas.

She also said that the initiative INUA MAMA, JENGA JAMII has assisted over 40 women and youths where we have issued cooler boxes, parasols among other equipments that will assist the small scale business women.

"In the small scale businesses we are mainly targeting fish mongers, groceries, fruit vendors, small kiosks among others," Chivumbe said.

AbdulMajid Mwinyi a community social service provider also stated that with Covaw and other organizations they have been creating awareness on GBV amongst community and how it can be tackled.

"We also give skills on how one can improve their businesses by acquiring loans from micro finance Enterprise," Mwinyi said.

He noted that cases of GBV currently improved in the area compared to previous years due to the various engagement done by organisations.

"There is an improvement of GBV cases compared to past years and we can say that since most organisations have come up with engagement and sensitization programs these cases are nowadays days being reported to relevant authorities for action," he said.

Sofia Abdalla a fruits vendor and also a beneficiary of the program said that the skills she has received are very important and they will assist her boost business.

"The sensitization program we have gone through are of great importance and when we apply them in our businesses then we will get a boost and enlarge it," she said.

F- Plus creative company is expanding into Kenya with a base in the coastal city of Mombasa, to solidify it's presence in the region.

The company which provides a range of creative services from event planning, modelling agency, photography, advertising, marketing and supply service has been operational since 2016 has been operating in different African countries like Tanzania, Rwanda and Congo.

According to the company director, Fidel Elijah the creative and entertainment industry in Mombasa has been experiencing a growth thus the main push behind their venture.

"I was born and raised in Mombasa, this is my home and seeing the industry growing has given me alot of confidence to invest here and offer jobs to my fellow young people" said Fidel, in an interview with Ommy Dallah.

Elijah revealed that they have worked with several companies, NGOs and institutions in Kenya.

"For us professionalism is everything that is why you will never hear of any complain from a client. We have managed to also host private and yacht parties. Our models are very professional"