American multinational technology company, Google has announced over 100 job vacancies for it's newly opened office in Nairobi.

This follows a decision by the tech giant company to invest sh 115 billion in Africa in order to support and grow the technology space in the continent.

The firm is now looking for product managers, software engineers, senior UX designers and UX researchers who will be tasked with solving technical challenges.

Some of the tasks will include improving the smartphone experience for people in Africa while improving its infrastructure across the continent.

"We’re looking for talented, creative, and collaborative people who can help solve difficult and important technical challenges, such as improving the smartphone experience for people in Africa, or building products that will help everyone to thrive together." reads a statement from the firm.

The new Nairobi centre is now Google's second big research and development investment in Africa, after the AI and research centre in Ghana opened in 2019.

To apply interested Kenyans can visit Google's website.

Award-winning hip hop artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist King Kaka has linked up with the world’s top leading smart life brand Itel as it’s Brand Ambassador.

Itel, which is committed to providing budget-friendly, good quality consumer electronic products , made the announcement on Tuesday at an exclusive press conference held at Radisson Blu Hotel Arboretum.

“We are thrilled to announce the partnership with King Kaka. He mirrors the values of versatility, perfection and innovation that we steadfastly follow at itel by following the brand values and spirit.” Explains Mr Ray, Country Manager, itel Kenya.

King Kaka in his speech said: “Itel are true innovators, and that’s always something I’ll value. Throughout my career and with my music, I’ve tried to follow my own path, and I respect Itel for doing the same.”

King Kaka’s manager and Kaka Empire’s managing partner, Dennis Njenga, also made some remarks regarding the partnership

“King Kaka’s brand is all about inspiring the young generation to believe they can become anything they want. He started from humble beginnings and went on to become one of the biggest brands both locally and internationally.” He said.

Itel aims to help its customers and communities enjoy a better life by simplifying access to technology around the world. King Kaka will amplify this as the rapper has always believed that the greatest achievement we have as humans is to serve others. 

Multi-award winning Kenyan entertainer and performer Chimano, has released his anticipated debut EP HEAVY IS THE CROWN, alongside “Hallelujah”- the project’s lead single and music video.

Written by Bien-Aimé, the pop single with a classic feel echoes the EP’s concept of self-love and self-acceptance.

Chimano says, “It's a wonderful song that generally speaks to everybody in humanity. It also speaks to me.“

Adding “It’s a message to myself where I am putting myself first and walking this journey of life with my true self and like-minded individuals and anybody who wants to join us on this amazing journey. And yes, the real Chimano has arrived!”

Watch “Hallelujah” on YouTube

In the new video, the celebrated style icon impresses with his ever eccentric fashion sense, donned in a bedazzled blazer effortlessly swaying to the lyrics of this melodious track.

It’s a singular scene with strong visuals in dark hues that later turn to red with streaks of lights - making him shine in the spotlight and solo appearance.

Chimano says of the video, “The visuals behind this song are just simple and juxtaposing being centered internally and externally.”

The 7-track EP, reminiscent of sounds inspired by late 80s and early 90s music, also features previously released feel-good hit single: “Friday Feeling”, “Hallelujah”, “Freedom”, “Beautiful”, “Loser”, “Mad Love” and “Stereo”.

The overarching theme and inspiration in each of the EP tracks is the concept of truthfulness in one’s self-identity.

This EP is the beginning of a new chapter for Chimano.

He reveals, “I needed to have courage to be myself fully because of my new-found conviction. I needed to be that for others, and to inspire them to see that they can also be themselves.”

Adding, “The crown in this case is on you and me. If you go through life in kindness, standing up for your dreams and aspirations, respecting your fellow human beings and respecting the right of others to live unrestricted as long as it's not an infringement on your human rights - then you have a crown on your head.”

Stream ‘Heavy Is The Crown’ EP

Chimano says of HEAVY IS THE CROWN, “It feels good to be authentic, at peace and centered. It’s a good place for me to be in and to stick to my values. This EP is who I am. I am coming out of my shell. It takes time for who you are to shine bright from your soul, from within, to the outside - a lot of people will relate to this.” 

As a member of Grammy-certified Kenyan music group, Sauti Sol, working on this iconic EP was revolutionary for Chimano.

He had started writing some songs off the EP up to three years ago but didn’t know where they would fit. It was until Sauti Sol’s ‘Alone Together’ project came along that Chimano found a home for his own and personal sound and lyrics.

Even though Chimano unveils his vulnerability to the listener, he confidently relays a fine project with a strong impulse to impel people to look within themselves and listen to their inner voices.

Those lost in the path of their self-actualization can find their purpose in life or what they want to achieve in their careers and lives. The journey to this takes time but with patience you will get there. 

Immerse in the funk, soul, richness and diversity of Chimano’s HEAVY IS THE CROWN new body of work, with epic visuals, art direction and lyrics about self-acceptance, love, freedom, redemption and gratitude.

It’s a risqué EP that challenges toxic masculinity, prejudices and hypocrisy.

Chimano sums up, “It's hard to ignore the burdens society puts on you but by believing and focusing on yourself while being kind to others, you have crowned yourself and don't need anyone to validate that. I have fully started to express myself and deep down for me this is an expression of happiness and freedom.”

Mombasa businessman turn politician Suleiman Shahbal has been petitioned to rescind his decision and contest as an independent candidate for Mombasa governor.

 Shahbal dropped his bid for Mvita Mp  Abdulswamad Nassir saying that that he resolved to back the lawmaker after the party leadership, led by Raila Odinga, called for consensus-building to ensure ODM retains the ticket.

On Tuesday, Shahbal almost shed tears when he met his emotional congregation of electorates at the Tononoka social hall who demanded him to join the race as an independent.

The supporters kept on chanting his slogan 'Change must come' as they asled him to run for the governor seat as an independent meeting.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2802-shahbal-steps-down-for-nassir-in-mombasa-governor-contest

Some of the speakers who attended the meeting could not hold their tears as the governor candidate delivered the heartbreaking message. Many believed that he was the change that Mombasa deserved.

“We are sick and tired of begging in Mombasa, the county has no development because of poor leadership and implanting of leaders, nothing will change even with Odinga as the president for Mombasa,” said Amina Abdalla, a women rep aspirant.

His running mate Selina Maitha a;sp asked Shahbal to change his mind and go independent. Maitha said many electorates feel betrayed by the decision, and the business man ought to listen to the plight of the majority.

This happens as a group of women, youth and the elderly from Mombasa have embarked on a petition signing to compel Shahbal rescind his decision and vie as an independent candidate.

“We the people of Mombasa County want Change. We believe that Shahbal is the only one with the desire and ability to bring change. We need jobs and a friendly business environment. Your decision to step down for another candidate is not welcome,”said Hamisi Baya, one of those that have signed the petition.

The group has expressed its dissatisfaction with the governor aspirant saying he out to have consulted his supporters before he dropped his bid.

“We commit to supporting you through campaigning for you, voting for you, supporting you financially where necessary, and protecting the votes on the day of the election,”|he added.

Hawa Shafi, another petitioner, said he believed that Shahbal would bring the change that Mombasa has disrespected for the ten years governor Joho has been in power.

“I am a strong believer of positive change, I believe in Shahbal because he is the change we need in Mombasa. I listened to his agendas and felt that he is the solution to our problems,” wrote Hawa in the online petition that has so far received over 1,000 signatures.

Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir is now the undisputed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party flag bearer for the Mombasa gubernatorial race in the August polls.

Nassir was given the party ticket following negotiations that saw his political rival and businessman Suleiman Shahbal drop his bid to support him.

South African pure-play software testing company, Inspired Testing (www.InspiredTesting.com), is on a continent-wide drive to attract, develop and place Africa’s digital talent on the global stage.

The company is on a determined path to ensure that African talent plays a meaningful role in the 4th Industrial Revolution and believes that the continent’s digital-savvy talent is the answer to a worldwide software skills shortage.

Andre Barnard, Chief People and Culture Officer at Inspired Testing says, “ Our endeavour to further grow into other territories means that we’re unlocking employment opportunities for software testers from the likes of Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia and from other countries on our continent.”

“We want to partner with potential employees, be they senior or intermediate automation engineers or graduates seeking to further a career in software testing.” says Barnard.

Inspired Testing describes the candidates it seeks as ideally in possession of an ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Certification or willing to acquire this qualification within 3 months, coupled with a readiness to grow and engage and someone who wants to take control of their progression in software testing.

The company aligns a career map for each employee and is committed to advancing them from a “start” to a “vision” position in their career.

Barnard says that the company’s employees and its leadership are known for possessing a “mentality of abundance”.

He describes this notion as, “Being intentional in always giving away our best.”

“Our purpose is to make way for potential, “says Barnard when asked what Inspired Testing had to offer persons seeking employment at the organisation.

He went on to explain that truly making way for potential has to go beyond just paying a market-related remuneration.

Noting  ”It comprises access to leadership, a functional mentorship programme, the opportunity to upskill and self-develop, with funding assistance from the company, and global work exposure to multinational companies of varying sizes.”

Inspired Testing’s global clients span across Legal, Banking, Financial Services, Telecommunications, e-Commerce and Retail sectors, to name a few.

Barnard points out that the business verticals that they currently service have grown exponentially during the Covid-19 pandemic and the strategic migration and deeper advancement to digital-first platforms and operations have indeed created quite an upsurge in the software industry, thereby creating the need for more resources in software testing as a discipline.

Inspired Testing also runs The Inspired Academy, that tailor makes programmes and curriculums designed specifically for the upskilling of clients’ software testing teams and individuals who wants to advance their career.

The academy, borne from the organisation's desire to positively impact both society and the industry sector they operate in, has seen many successfully completed training courses in the six months passed.

The programmes run here directly contribute to ramping up software testing skills sets and often leads to career progression for the incumbents.

The Orange Democratic Movement ODM party members of the Mombasa county assembly have welcomed the installation of Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Sharif Nassir to succeed governor Hassan Joho.

The both sitting and aspiring MCAs have vowed to elect and rally behind Nassir as the next Mombasa governor terming him as a leader who has been tested in leadership.

Speaking during a press conference at the Treasury square the MCA's have slammed former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar for calling Nassir as a project.

According to Tudor ward MCA Tobias Samba, Nassir is the best candidate for the Mombasa governor seat.

Samba also called on Omar to focus on his campaigns and stop attacking Nassir.

 “Abdulswamad has been tested and proven. We have all seen what he has achieved in parliament as chairman of the public accounts committee. In Abdulswamad we have trust.”  said Samba.

Adding “Omar is a non issue in the Mombasa race, he has no impact. We are going to defeat him because Mombasa is a ODM strong hold.”

On his part, Likoni MCA Athman Mwamiri noted "Nassir is a project of the people therefore we want to ask his competitors to brace for a tough political duel in the August 9 general elections.”

According to Fatma Kushe,a sitting MCA said the ODM party will sweep all elective seats in Mombasa. Kushe said the instalment of Nassir is a complete deal that he is the best bet for Mombasa.

"Abdulswamad is not going to answer you, we are his foot soldiers and the ones who will answer you. You are the weak candidate and not Nassir.” Said Kushe

Adding “We are confident that Nassir will form the next county government and all seats for elective positions will go to ODM party," said Kushe.

The MCAs have vowed to conduct extensive campaigns for Nassir in Mombasa to ensure he becomes the next governor.

"As aspirants of ODM we will prove to them that no any other part will be in the county assembly except ODM party alone. Infact Hassan Omar’s party has the weakest candidates in the MCAseats "added Allan Katana Majaoni MCA aspirant who won the ODM ticket.

On Sunday, Former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar said the United democratic Alliance UDA party with clinch key political positions in the August 9 polls.

Kenyan celebrity couple, Bahati and his wife Diana Marua have landed yet another ambassadorial deal.

On Sunday, an elated Bahati took to soicial media and announced to his fans that he is now the Oppo brand ambassador, together with his wife Diana Marua.

"So excited to partner with OPPO Kenya] @wabosha.maxine and Wifey @Diana_Marua as we officially introduce to you the new OPPO Reno 7!" posted Bahati.

On her part Diana posted "Another Win!!! I'm Excitttteeeeeeeeed to Announce that we are Officially The Brand Ambassadors of the New #OPPORENO7 under the range of highly upgraded features in the @oppo_kenya family ?

Currently, Bahati and Diana are among the most sought after brand endorsers in the country. They are also the brand ambassadors for several brands including the Raha premium maize flour, Indomie noodles among others.

When Purity Mathe conceived her first child at 19 years of age, her worst fears were confirmed. It was obvious that she would not pursue her education dreams because marriage came calling.

Mathe, now 45 years old, narrates how her journey in young parenthood taught her a lesson she is proud of today.

She says , were it not for her determination in life, she would have ended as a careless woman.

But as she narrates, Buoyed by her passion to read, Mathe was able to graduate as a primary school teacher after completing her studies at the Shanzu teachers college.

It is through her early pregnancy and marriage experience that opened her eyes about the plight of girl child.

During her time many girls abandoned education to get married while others lacked school fees to secure their higher education and their dreams remained just a wishful dream.

This situation touched her heart and vowed to make a change in the society.

"When I conceived at 19 years of age and got married, I knew I was finished, I knew I would not achieve my dreams, but something kept telling me that I can still make it in life despite the situation am in, I decided I will not accept to be derailed by being a young mother. I went to college after giving birth and graduated as a teacher,"narates Mathe.

Adding “I was later divorced and ended up bringing up my kids alone and I always feel like I wasn't mature enough to learn what I really wanted , that brought alot of weight in advocating education to girls.

Since then, Mathe became a girl child rights champion. Her work is evident as very many girls have attained their life dreams of education through her hands.

She says through the help of an American founded non governmental organization she has been able to uplift girl child education in the society.

Mathe is a girl power coordinator for the Mombasa relief initiative MRI,an American based organisation which was formed in 1992 by an American but it operates its activities in Mombasa county.

"I work for the girl power programe which consists of Victoria baptist and Mnazi Mmoja primary schools, where she handles several girls aged between 10-17 years. I have been catering for their fees and few basic needs they needs like sanitary towels and food stuffs for their families." said Mathe.

Her passion to uplift girl child was inspired by the fact that majority of girl children in the coastal region don't realize their life dreams due to abject poverty as the majority of the children are orphans while others from less fortunate families.

"Many girls in the coast don't join high school because most of them don't have dreams of joining high  schools because the children undergo challenges of food in their families that makes them drop out of schools because of poverty, this is where we come in and seal the gap," she says.

She says the Organisation has been instrumental in dealing with girl child in the informal settlement schools and those orphaned in Mombasa and says their dreams get realized when they join high schools and universities.

"Since the programme no girl among those I deal with has ever encountered challenges like teenage pregnancy, we take care of them from their primary level up to secondary level." she says.

Her mission is to see the organisation spread its wings to Kilifi and other coastal counties to rescue the girl child from the hooks of social vices.

So far  she is handling a total of 54 needy children with 30 in primary school and 24 in secondary schools in Mombasa.

"We want to spread our wings to Nairobi and other parts of the country so that we can reach the most vulnerable girl child," said Mathe who now throws a challenge to the government to put more focus on girl child education.

The Mombasa Relief Initiative (MRI) was conceived based on the collective vision of seven Americans and two Kenyans who wanted to find a uniform way to provide help and assistance to the children of Mombasa, Kenya.

Beginning in 1993, these individuals started going to Kenya on vacation to buy art for sale in the U.S. These trips grew into a great love for the people and culture of Kenya. Eventually, in March 2001, they formed MRI, a non-profit organization.

MRI’s mission is to serve the children of Mombasa, Kenya through three key initiatives: Health, Education and Economic Empowerment. 

Mombasa governor Aspirant Ali Mbogo has dismissed claims that he would step down for former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko terming the reports as mere propaganda.

Mbogo says as it stands ,he is the preferred candidate of Mombasa governor through Wiper party claiming that the party has already handed him an interim certificate to vie for Mombasa governor seat.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2793-sonko-still-in-the-race-for-mombasa-governor-wiper-party

"We have an interim certificate already duly signed, to show that I am the candidate for Mombasa governor seat and therefore I want to announce to my supporters that nothing has changed, we are in the race till the end." said Mbogo.

Speaking in Mishoromoni on Saturday Morning, Mbogo categorically stated that his candidature for Mombasa is unshaken.

"There has been unfounded rumours that some other people have a ticket to contest for Mombasa ,that is not true, I want to thank our party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for handing me a ticket for Mombasa unopposed, so that means we are in the race," added Mbogo.

He warned those party officials in Mombasa purporting to speak on behalf of the party to stop it.

"There is no nomination in Mombasa in Wiper party,w hat we know is that we are the team to beat ODM in August 9,and we will win it, let them know that." said Mbogo.

Adding " We don't have a spokesperson in Mombasa, so those pretending to be speaking on behalf of the party should stop. The only person who can speak on behalf of the party is Kalonzo Musyoka, who is our party leader"

The Kisauni Mp has also warned his Orange Democratic Movement ODM opponents to brace for a tough political duel in the race to succeed governor Hassan Joho.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2802-shahbal-steps-down-for-nassir-in-mombasa-governor-contest

"If there is any nomination they would not have given me an interim certificate, so our supporters should get ready to a real campaign," he added.

Businessman Suleiman Shahbal has stepped down for Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir in the race to succeed Hassan Joho as the next governor of Mombasa.

This was announced by the ODM party leader Raila Odinga on Friday evening.

"We have had negotiations and Suleiman Shahbal has agreed to support Abdulswamad Nassir as the governor of Mombasa. Nassir will fly our party's flag in the governor race" said Odinga.

The party has also settled on Senator Mohammed Faki to be the flag bearer in the Senator race in the coming August election.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho welcomed the move by Shahbal noting that both Nassir and Shahbal have been strong competitors.

"Both of them are very strong and worthy competitors and for Shahbal to agree to support Nassir is a good thing" said Joho.

Adding " What is now remaining is for us to hit the ground running and start campaigning immediately."

On his part Suleiman Shahbal revealed that he has been assigned to focus on Raila Odinga's presidential campaign.

" I have been aspiring to be governor of Mombasa for the last ten years, but the objective was not for Suleiman Shahbal, but to bring change and development to the people of Mombasa." said Shahbal.

Adding "We have agreed to work with Abdulswamad Nassir towards bringing this change. To all my fans and supporters we have agreed that we will work with Nassir."