Ommy Dallah
Uhuru Commends Maendeleo Ya Wanawake For Empowering Women
President Kenyatta noted that MYWO has grown to become a bastion of civil society, championing initiatives that have tremendously changed women’s lives for the better, especially at the grassroots level.
“I believe the lives of women in Kenya and the communities they live in are, currently, immeasurably better thanks to the MYWO’s bold and consistent actions over the decades,” the President said.
President Kenyatta spoke today during the virtual Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Annual General Meeting where he also launched the organization's national water harvesting project.
The Head of State said he was happy MYWO was complementing Government efforts to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030 in the area of water and sanitation.
“The Vision 2030 blueprint aims at ensuring that every woman in a household at the grassroots level gets a water tank for safe, clean, and reliable water for domestic use,” the President said and directed the Ministry of Water to partner with MYWO to ensure the success of the program.
He appreciated the training MYWO offers women on smart agriculture in order to enhance food security at the household level, saying it supports the Big 4 Agenda on food security.
“As you are aware, Food and Nutrition Security is one of the Pillars of my Administration’s “Big Four” Agenda. I chose to focus on food security because a Nation, which cannot feed its people, is not worthy its name,” the President pointed out.
The Head of State expressed satisfaction that MYWO is working in partnerships with the Ministry of Health and the First Lady’s Beyond Zero Initiative on promoting maternal healthcare at the grassroots level.
“This has been a huge boost for our Big Four Pillar of Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” the President said.
On BBI, President Kenyatta emphasized that it proposes significant gains for women and urged them to support it.
“Through BBI, Kenya is re-imagining our nationhood and envisioning a nation where tribe, gender, age, ethnicity and religion are no longer factors for division but rather drivers of unity within diversity,” President Kenyatta said.
As an organization, President Kenyatta said Maendeleo ya Wanawake has clearly demonstrated that the empowerment of women is not merely by holding conferences in high-end hotels in Nairobi but by being vibrant at all levels especially at the grassroots.
He appreciated the contribution of MYWO in curbing female genital mutilation (FGM), a cultural trait considered primitive.
“Your efforts as an organization and other like-minded organizations, made it easier for the Government of Kenya to enact the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2007) and established the Anti-FGM Board,” he said.
President Kenyatta also took the opportunity to urge the MYWO to use its position of influence at the grassroots to advocate for continued observation of the Ministry of Health’s anti-COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.
“As Women, you know you are great influencers of social behaviour; therefore, as Government we look to you as our partners in securing Kenya from this pandemic, and all our other social and economic challenges,” President Kenyatta said.
The President also directed the Ministry of Housing to partner with MYWO in the development of its parcels of land spread across the country and assured the organization's membership that land ownership documents for its headquarters were intact.
Public Service and Gender CS Prof Margaret Kobia said MYWO continues to participate in national development by providing an effective model for improving the quality of life for families and communities.
“The framework facilitates the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization to collaborate with other Government agencies to create synergy for development for the realization of Kenya Vision 2030,” the CS said.
MYWO Chairperson Rahab Muiu pledged her organization’s support for the ongoing constitutional reforms saying the BBI process will herald a new national dawn of unity, peace and prosperity.
She said MYWO is ready to support the process by offering civic education and support required at the grassroots level.
Other speakers included Maendeleo ya Wanawake patron Hon Phoebe Asiyo and the UNFPA Country Representative Dr Ademola Olajide.
Zulitums Releases 'You Know Why' Ft Skales, Off 'Invictus' Album
Uganda’s Zulitums is one of East Africa’s fastest rising music producers. Renowned for his stellar songwriting and production skills, he is now taking it a notch higher with the release of his debut album titled INVICTUS (Latin word for unconquered).
Released under his label Blacq Avay Records And Entertainment, the 12-track album is an expression of love, hope, happiness and triumph. Zulitums just released a cool video to “You Know Why” featuring top Nigerian star Skales.
The video was shot in Uganda by super creative duo: director Tsunky and Shashavybz.
Stream INVICTUS: https://zulitums.ffm.to/invictus
Watch “You Know Why” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpqz-DtV-no
INVICTUS is a blend of Reggae, Afrobeats, R&B and Pop sounds.
In the album, Zulitums isn’t only making his debut as a singer and a performing artist but as expected; he’s producing the music in collaboration with VadBeats, Josh Pro and TUC.
The album opens with Dancehall-infused singles, “For The Love”, “Meant For Me”, “One Minute”, “Tabu” and “You Know Why”.
The pop bangers on the record such as “Easy”, “Omweso”, “Finish Up”, “Counting on You”, “Good Good”, “Somebody’s Daughter” and “Bus Duniya” are bona fide party anthems that will light up dance floors across East Africa and beyond.
Speaking on INVICTUS, Zulitums says, “It’s a personal story that would definitely fit into every ghetto kids’ life. It captures all the scenes played out in my life, through trials and tribulations I have remained unbroken.
The album was inspired by love, love for what I do, for my friends and family,”.
Adding, “My hope is that as my fans listen to it, you are reminded of your own insidiously, strength and reality that despite your scars and tears, you’re truly unconquered.”
Other recent music videos off INVICTUS include “One Minute”, “Easy” and “Tabu”.
He says, “My intention is to produce globally positioned records rooted in my own sounds that could compete anywhere in the world, God willing. That’s very important for me. This and many more I hope to achieve with my album.”
“One Minute” video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQVm7m9DJNU
“Easy” video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIVfAIlxu50
“Tabu” video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo9C-Xv6gI4
Kalasha Awards 2020: Mombasa Actor Leon Ongaya 'Mbura' Wins Best Lead Actor (Tv) Award
The Kalasha international Tv and film awards 2020 finally went down on Saturday evening.
This year's ceremony was however different, the nominees did not physically attend the ceremony, they had to follow it virtually and live from local Tv stations KTN and KBC, because of the covid-19 restrictions. Only few invited guests attended the main event held at the Sarit centre Nairobi.
In Mombasa the nominees and other stakeholders gathered at the Pride Inn hotel Shanzu for a dinner and to follow the proceedings courtesy of the department of Trade, tourism and investment under the Mombasa county government.
Among those present was Mombasa County Tourism CEC Fawz Rashid and the Chief officer department of youth, gender and sports Innocent Mugabe. Mombasa county assembly youth representatives Moses Aran 'Civilizer' was also present.
In his speech Fawz Rashid said the county government will continue working closely with the stakeholders to improve the industry and support local talents.
"It is a great honor to be part an industry that has created job opportunities for many artistes and given them a platform to not only showcase their talents and abilities but to also ensuring that their work is recognized and appreciated worldwide." said Fawz.
Adding "It is through the creative industry that we are able to promote and market Tourism both locally and internationally. Through you, we have been able to put Kenya on the global map as a destination with a rich heritage, diverse cultures and cuisine, a business and investment hub as well as a tourism destination for leisure and exploration."
On his part Mugabe revealed that the county government is in the process of formulating the film production and promotion policy and the film production and promotion bill which will all be ready in after six moths.
"As a county government we are committed in ensuring that we promote our local industry and talents and these two will go along way in ensuring that we achieve that " said Mugabe.
The audience burst into a celebratory mood after Leon Ongaya who plays Mbura in Pete was announced as the winner of the best lead actor tv drama award. Yasmin Said (Maria) of Citizen TV was feted as the best lead actress in a TV Drama.
"I would like to thank God, my family, fans and all of you colleagues for your support. This is not just my win but a win for all for us, lets continue working together and supporting each other " said Ongaya in his acceptance speech.
Award winning cinematographer Daudi Anguka also got the opportunity to celebrate his birthday with colleagues during the event.
Below is a full list of the winners
Best TV Drama: Maria (Citizen TV) – Rashid Abdalla.
Best TV Documentary: Road to Trauma – Sam Munia
Best Student Feature Film: The Case- Eastmond Mwenda
Best Performance in a TV Comedy: Mukami Njiru (Mrs Wang’ombe) – Varshita
Best Feature Film: 40 Sticks
Best Host in a TV Show: Nick Ndeda – The Great Kenyan Bake Off
Best Lead Actor in a Film: Gitaru Kamau -Family meeting
Lead Actress in a Film: Ella Maina – Sincerely Daisy
Best Supporting Actor in a Film: Cajetan Boy – 40 Sticks
Best Director: Victor Gatonye
Best Original Score: Sticks- Lucas Bikedo
Best Feature Film: Sticks- Sarah Hassan
Best Production Design: Siteiya Warui – 40 Sticks
Best Editor: Edwin Nyongesa – 40 Sticks
Best Sound Designer: Lucas Bikedo – 40 Sticks
Best Lighting Technician: Walter Odhiambo – 40 Sticks
Best Director of Photography: Jim Bishop – Nambwa FM
Best TV Advertisement: Dr Pamoja- Darren Collins
Best TV Comedy: Varshita (Maisha Magic East) -Lucy Mwangi Nyanya Rukia (Maisha Magic East) Daudi Anguka
Best Student Documentary: Mombasa – Riccardo Waruinge & Wali Shiekh
Best special effects: 40 Sticks – Grace Murema
Best Children Production: Ndembwa – Michael Mutahi
Best Animation Production: The Legend of Lwanda Magere
Lifetime Achievement: David Campbell
Kituo Halisi: Citizen TV
PHOTOS: Mombasa Journalist-Cum-Bango Singer Robert 'Roba' Menza Weds
Radio Maisha Coast correspondent and Bango music singer Robert Menza has officially ditched the bachelors.
Menza or Roba as he is popularly known by fans and colleagues in the media industry walked down the aisle with his long time lover Marbel Nyawa in an exquisite wedding in Mombasa.
The wedding was only attended by close family members from both families and colleagues according to the Covid-19 regulations.
Here are some photos from the wedding.
Uhuru Flags off Simba Corp’s Proton at Associated Vehicles Assemblers
His Excellency the President Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta today launched the first fully locally assembled Proton Saga salon car at Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) a wholly owned subsidiary of Simba Corporation Limited.
Speaking at the launch event at AVA in Miritini, Mombasa, Simba Corporation Chairman, Adil Popat said, “We are extremely pleased to unveil the long-awaited locally assembled Proton Saga saloon car into the Kenyan market. This vehicle was assembled at AVA which is also a fully locally owned motor vehicle assembler.
The Proton Saga is competitively priced and will retail for around $10,000 + VAT, the Proton Saga has enhanced safety features, superb stability and braking performance, supreme style and eye-catching exteriors and interiors.
The Proton Saga also comes with a 5-year warranty, attractive financing options with some of our major bank partners in Kenya and an extensive aftersales network. We know that our customers will have a great experience with the Proton Saga.
In his remarks, the President lauded Simba Corporation for this new move saying that it contributes to the Big Four Agenda which aims to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs for Kenya’s youth. He said this was born out a conversation with automakers last January to bring back local assembly of vehicles into the Kenyan market. “We talked about this last year and Simba Corporation has worked on it and here we are launching the new Proton Saga, an affordable well-engineered saloon car into the Kenyan market.”
Earlier in the year, the Head of State asked motor vehicle assemblers, in consultation with the National Treasury and the Ministry of Trade & Industrialization, to work out a mutually agreeable framework that will ensure the benefits accruing from the tax incentives are passed on to the consumer.
With the launch of the Proton Saga, President Kenyatta said the country is now at the cusp of offering Kenyans the opportunity to own zero-mileage vehicles that are affordable, can attract financing and offer good value for money compared to Ksh.800,000 that is usually spent to purchase a secondhand vehicle. “You know with the Proton Saga you get a zero-mileage car at a very affordable price and a 5-year warranty and a network of dealerships.”
Proton joins the growing list of globally renowned automotive brands that have chosen Kenya as their home and are being assembled by AVA in Mombasa.
On his part the Mombasa Governor H.E. Ali Hassan Joho lauded AVA on this launch and continuing to create jobs in Mombasa county. “Being in the Proton Saga, driven by the president I am impressed by the car and commit as the Mombasa county to place an order for 30 or 40 units for the county to use” he said. He lauded Simba Corporation and AVA for this milestone and for continuing to generate jobs for the county’s youth.
Established in 1968, Simba Corp began as one of Kenya’s most successful indigenous commercial organizations with a rich heritage in motor vehicle sales and service.
Simba has steadily spread its reach to the major cities and towns in Kenya including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Narok, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Kericho and Eldoret. As an integrated business group, headquartered in Nairobi, Simba Corp has diversified division in motor sales and service, hospitality, investment and financial services.
Tis The season To Celebrate Christmas The Kenyan Way!
Christmas in Kenya is incomplete without one of the most anticipated events in Kenya during the festivities, 'Tis The Season'.
This is an annual Christmas Concert directed by Atemi Oyungu & Eric Wainaina since 2013 aimed at celebrating the season in an authentically KENYAN way.
This year 'Tis The Season' has come bearing goodies! Not only will the music lovers enjoy the live and online concert, they will also be treated to a' Tis The Season' album with 10 heavenly Christmas carols served with a sprinkle of Kenyan flavor to usher in the Christmas season.
This Kenyan Christmas Album will feature some of the best and renowned artistes in Kenya: Atemi, Eric Wainaina, Wyre, Kagwe Mungai, Bien of Sauti Sol, Wambura Mitaru, Mayonde and Lisa Oduor Noah.
Attached is the first song from the magical EP; Yesu Amezaliwa (Do You See What I See) featuring Atemi, Eric Wainaina, Bien-Aime Baraza, Wyre & Wambura Mitaru which is also available for download Mdundo.com
Watch Yesu Amezaliwa here: https://youtu.be/zjNoo8QOIq0
Yesu Amezaliwa is a teaser; ‘Tis The Season’a lovers should expect more joyous Christmas music and loads of exciting activities from tomorrow as the team officially unveils what they have been working on for the last couple of months.
Kenyan Designer Iona McCreath To Compete In Arise Fashion Week
Iona McCreath of KikoRomeo has been selected as a finalist for Arise Fashion Week. The New Stars.
After receiving thousands of applications, the final 30 under 30 designers were selected by a star-studded panel including South African Couturier David Tlale, Stylist and Creative Director Jenke Ahmed who has worked with the likes of Beyonce and Kanye West as well as model Alton Mason, amongst many more powerhouses within the African Fashion industry.
Scheduled for 9-12th December 2020 in Lagos Nigeria, and streamed globally, the next generation of designers will showcase the best and brightest of fashion and style as they compete for $500,000 USD in prize money - $100,000 for first prize, $75,000 for runner up and $50,000 for 3rd place.
All 30 receive a selection prize of $5,000 and $5,000 more for the top 9. Soft-spoken UK International Model and Activist, Naomi Campbell has always been an intrinsic part of the Arise Fashion Week. She’s among leading industry experts and judges who will select the winning designers.
Growing up as daughter of fashion designer Ann McCreath, Iona has apprenticed in the fashion industry all her life.
She was born in 1996, the same year as KikoRomeo, and appeared on the runway with her mother as a baby. Highly skilled tailors and artisans have always surrounded her, as she played dress up with clothes in the shop. With time, she has taken a keener interest in her own role in fashion, exploring her talents and putting to practice the skills she had picked up along the way.
Speaking about being selected Iona McCreath says, “In taking part, I am representing all the people that have touched my creations the farmers, spinners, weavers, dyers, painters, cutters, machinists, finishers, crocheters and embroiderers as well as administrators, transporters and many more who make up the wealth that is the fashion industry."
Adding “We love the arts and use our language and fashion skills to mentor and inspire people to be open-minded and to earn a living from creativity. The beautiful things we create, embolden the wearer, opening new paths and giving them confidence to bring out their own authenticity."
Her journey at KikoRomeo has seen her design a series of collections, maintaining the brands aesthetic and artistic heritage.
Through this time, she has also worked to redefine the brand’s representation and communication, bringing to the fore a lot of the social impact work that KikoRomeo has done over the years that many do not know about as well as highlighting the decades of artistry that is embedded in this work.
A long project, much of this will be seen in greater detail in 2021, as the brand celebrates 25 years.
Ommy Dimpoz Joins Sony Music, Drops First Single Off Upcoming Album
Tanzanian musician, Ommy Dimpoz, officially joins the Sony Music Entertainment Africa Family.
“It’s a proud moment having an artist of Ommy’s calibre make the decision to partner with us at Sony. We’re excited about joining forces with him to bring his amazing music to the ears of as many fans as we can.” said Sean Watson, Managing Director Sony Music.
On his part Ommy said "This partnership is a very important step in my music career at the right time in my life, to see my growth and diversity in the music career. I am looking forward to a great partnership and a very successful venture with Sony Music Africa.”
Today Ommy Dimpoz drops his new single and music video entitled ‘Dede’ featuring natives DJ Tira, Dladla Mshunqisi and Prince Bulo. Stream it here.
The singer also took to social media to reveal that he will be dropping a new album early next year
The video for ‘Dede’ sees a fashionably styled Ommy Dimpoz move through a selection of performance scenes while flanked by choreographed dancers.
Ommy started his music career as a band vocalist for Tanzanian artist T.I.D and later on branched out as a solo musician with his first studio single titled “Nai Nai” featuring Alikiba.
The single topped the charts and gave him a solid entry into the entertainment scene. He followed that release with “Mama” featuring Christian Bella, and it scored him several awards and recognition as a credible musician in Tanzania and beyond.
Ommy Dimpoz received East African recognition with his third massive hit single “Me and You” in collaboration with Tanzanian songstress Vanessa Mdee.
The single was a sweet summer love ballad that received traction across East Africa and with the above singles he marked his music career across East Africa.
He continued to produce several other hits including Sweetness with Dully Sykes, Hello Baby featuring Avril from Kenya Achia Body, Tupogo, Wanjera, Ndagushima and Kajiandae.
Kenya And Ethiopia Reaffirm Their Commitment To Cross-Border Infrastructure Projects
In a joint press address shortly after inspecting the ongoing construction of the new 32-berth Lamu Port, President Kenyatta and visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed said Kenya and Ethiopia are fast tracking the development of the Mombasa-Nairobi-Addis Ababa Road Corridor Project so as to promote trade and regional trade. The corridor is part of the Trans-Africa Highway network.
“Additionally, we have embarked on the development of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, which is being developed to complement the Mombasa-Nairobi-Addis Ababa Road Corridor.
“Through this new Transport Corridor, Ethiopia will have a more reliable and more direct road access route; connecting Moyale and Isiolo to the Lamu Port on the Indian Ocean,” the President Kenyatta said.
The Kenyan Head of State noted that since reaching the understanding to develop transport corridors jointly, the two countries have witnessed significant progress in the actualization of the Port of Lamu.
“The 1st Berth is complete and the other two berths are progressing well; indeed, they are 86% complete. Therefore, by end of October 2021, I hope to invite you and the President of South Sudan to join me in commissioning the First Three Berths of the Port of Lamu,” President Kenyatta said.
Expressing satisfaction on the progress of the Lamu Port, the President said he looked forward to the commencement of world-class logistics operations at the port so that traders can make Lamu the premier port of choice in East Africa.
He disclosed that the two countries will, in due course, unveil their detailed proposals for how they intend to rejuvenate the logistics and transport business in the region and position East Africa as a global logistics centre serving as the leading gateway into both the wider region as well as the rest of the continent.
President Kenyatta also observed that the completion of the first three berths of the Lamu Port will require a road off-take system to provide connectivity from Lamu to Moyale, to Hawassa and Addis Ababa spanning about 2,000km.
“I am glad to inform you that most of the Kenyan sections of that road network are either complete or very near completion,” President Kenyatta informed Prime Minister Abiy.
He said the complete Isiolo-Moyale road is a game changer by opening up trade and transportation opportunities across the border.
President Kenyatta added that the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road is progressing well and is now 80% complete.
“This road will provide the initial off-take route, and will serve as a good link to Ethiopia from Isiolo through Garissa.
“We have also commenced the process for the construction of the new Lamu-Garissa road (250Kms), which will provide yet another transport artery to the Lamu Port,” the President said.
President Kenyatta said following his tour of industrial parks in Hawassa in Ethiopia, the two countries have resolved to collaborate in establishing a Special Economic City in Moyale so that cross-border trade can thrive and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
The President added that Kenya plans to establish an industrial city in Lamu to serve the region and the world at large.
He affirmed Kenya’s commitment to the development of transport economic corridors that will provide seamless connectivity and enhance trade and logistics within the region, saying the transport projects will help spur inter-regional trade and further strengthen regional integration.
“We must consider all transport corridor projects as regional projects, where Kenya, Ethiopia and our neighbouring countries, have a real stake,” the President said.
On his part, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the Lamu Port will benefit Ethiopia and South Sudan, encouraging the two countries to work as part of the efforts to integrate the whole of Africa.
"This afternoon we are witnessing the potential of Lamu Port not only for Ethiopia but also for South Sudan. This will help us to realize our vision which we have already been discussing and working on for economic integration of our region and the transformation of the lives of our people,” said the visiting Ethiopian PM.
He said there was a lot of potential in Ethiopia but without ports and road connectivity it would be difficult to export their products or import from other countries.
Dr Ahmed underscored the importance of infrastructure and economic integration, saying it would be hard for countries to survive in the 21st century without good infrastructure.
"Without infrastructure, without economic integration there is no way we can survive in the 21st century. We can transform the Horn of Africa as long as each government dedicates their time and resources to invest in infrastructure like my brother did in Kenya,” PM Abiy Ahmed said.
Opposition Leader Raila Odinga joined the two leaders during the Lamu Port tour that was led by Infrastructure CS James Macharia accompanied by Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi among other high ranking government officials.
Uhuru To Launch Locally Assembled Saloon Car In Mombasa
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to launch the proton saga, a locally assembled saloon car in Mombasa on Thursday.
The 2019 Saga a product of simba corp in partnership with Proton holding is powered by a 1300 cc VVT engine paired to a new automatic transmission, improved NVH, superb stability and braking performance.
The launch is expected to take place at the Associated Vehicles Assemblers, (AVA) in Miritini.
Established in 1968, Simba Corp began as one of Kenya’s most successful indigenous commercial organizations with a rich heritage in motor vehicle sales and service.
Simba has steadily spread its reach to the major cities and towns in Kenya with a network spanning major Kenyan towns like Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Narok, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri and Eldoret. As an integrated business group, headquartered in Nairobi, Simba Corp has diversified division in motor sales and service, hospitality, investment and financial services.
Proton Holdings is a Malaysian automotive company that is active in automobile design, manufacturing, distribution and sales of several car models including sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and visiting Prime Minister of Ethiopia Dr Abiy Ahmed are also expected to officially launch the Shs 1.9 billion Liwatoni Pedestrian Floating Bridge in Mombasa on Thursday.
